TREASURED PLACES,TREASURED MOMENTS

history abounds
London’s heritage andlegacy comes to life at
The Threadneedles Hotelnaturalsplendours

Immerse in the beauty of
Hokkaido at Niseko Village

treasured memories
How The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur can help you create
unforgettable wedding eventsCONTENTS
life on the cover
18

Centuries of London culture andheritage are mere steps away fromThe Threadneedles Hotel.

LIFE FEATURE
26

The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur isthe perfect place to host celebratory
events for you and your loved ones.

30

This year’s edition of Opera In
Paradise brings glorious arias to
Pangkor Laut Resort.

18
LIFE FEATURE
34

World-class diving and encounters withturtles can be had at Tanjong Jara Resort.

36

The Great Highlands Roast is just oneof many reasons to visit Cameron
Highlands Resort.

40

Learn more about Kristang wedding
traditions at The Majestic Malacca.

42

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEAt Gaya Island Resort, enjoy Japanesecuisine through the art of omakase.

44

Meetings at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala
Lumpur don’t feel like work at all.

48

The Ritzy Weekend Buffet at The
Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur has
something for everyone.

42
6CONTENTS
LIFE FEATURE
52

Escape to a garden sanctuary in the
JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur.

54

The New Yorker Afternoon Tea in
The Alchemy is style andsophistication in small bites.

58

Savour delectable Spanish delights
at The AC Hotel in Penang,
Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan.

62

Explore the old and the new of
the neighbourhood around
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur.

66

Artist Chang Fee Ming shows you
the real beauty of the island at
Spa Village Tembok, Bali.

58

70

Why you need to try the grilled
goodness of mookata at
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui.

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Summers at Niseko Village
are fun for the whole family.

76

The Gainsborough Bath Spa is thebest place to celebrate Jane Austen’s
250th anniversary next year.

80

Heading to Edinburgh for its worldclass festivals? Then book your stay at
The Glasshouse Hotel Edinburgh.

768

Bound by ExcellenceDavid Beckham wears Px8 – the award-winning,
noise-cancelling wireless headphone.

Available at Sonos Concept Storeby TC Acoustic at The Starhill

CONTENTS
LIFE FEATURE
84

The Wedgewood Suite atMonkey Island Estate isbreathtakingly beautiful.

86

Go for a walk through centuries
of feminine power fromThe Academy Hotel in London.

88

12 amazing things to do,see and enjoy in Perth – including
a stay at the Westin Perth.

94

The Marriott Melbourne isyour gateway to Victoria’s
superb hot springs.

98

The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotelis your terriﬁc teammate toexperience the city’s sporting history.

102

Immerse in local arts and culture, allfrom a wonderful stay at the Marriott

86

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEPORTFOLIO OF LIFE
104
The world of YTL Hotels.

HOME OF THE
TASTEMAKERS
122

Why chef Motokazu Yonezawa highly
recommends visiting Niseko Village.

84
10

P E R F O R M A N C E
A M P L I F I E D
T H E

N E X TG E N E R A T I O NS U P E R C A R
Uncompromised power and performance. Unﬁltered elemental thrills. Every sound, every sense, is ampliﬁed.
Each moment more exhilarating than the last. The ferocious racing heart of a McLaren. A breathtaking
breadth of ability. And an advanced Retractable Hard Top to enhance driving spirit.

McLaren Kuala Lumpur
2, Jalan Pengacara U1/48, Temasya Industrial Park Glenmarie,
40150 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia+6012 724 0530

kualalumpur.mclaren.com

WLTP Fuel consumption combined: 4.8l/100km | WLTP CO2 emissions combined: 108g/km

EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief KENNETH TAN (k.tan@imv.com.sg)
Managing Editor EUGENE PHUA (e.phua@imv.com.sg)
Sub-Editor CHRISTY YOONGARTArt Director GOH WEI LEE
Picture Editor KENNY NGUYENCONTRIBUTORSALICIA CHOO, ALICIA CORBETT, ANNA RINA, JUERN NG, JUNE MONG-LOFTIN,
KARMUN NG, LAW SOO PHYE, LUANN ALPHONSO, MARCUS WONGPRODUCTION
Production Director ANNA TSIRELNIKOVAPrepress INDOCHINE MEDIA VENTURES
Printer KUAN PRESS (621940-X)
No. 1 Jalan Perindustrian PP7, Taman Perindustrian Putra Permai
43300, Sri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia

ADVERTISING SALES
Sales Director VENIS LOO (v.loo@imv.com.sg)
Sales Manager XANA LAI (x.lai@imv.com.sg)

FINANCE & ACCOUNTS
Finance Executive NADIA ZUHARIPRESIDENTMICHAEL VON SCHLIPPETHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEPUBLISHED BY

PRODUCED BY

YTL HOTELS & PROPERTIES SDN BHD
8th Floor, Yeoh Tiong Lay Plaza
55 Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

INDOCHINE MEDIA VENTURES SDN BHD
B-7-13A, Gateway Kiaramas
1 Jalan Desa Kiara
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

12a note from tan sri ( sir ) francis yeoh

W

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

elcome to YTL Life, where treasured places give birth totreasured moments. In this issue, we ﬁrst bring you to
Threadneedles, our ﬁve-star boutique hotel in London anda member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. We invite
you to partake in the quintessential English afternoon tea
as you luxuriate in our spanking new leather sofas, under
the lobby’s iconic stained-glass dome built in the time of Queen Victoria.
Then, step out to the city’s Square Mile, teeming with eight centuries’ worth ofstories, from guilds and imperial wealth to the inspirational landmarks birthed fromthe mind of Sir Christopher Wren following the Great Fire of London.
Three hours west of the city on the M4 takes you to The Gainsborough BathSpa. Come next year, on the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, the hotel will
toast to one of English literature’s most beloved authors through a series of events,
including guided tours of the many locations featured in her enchanting novels,
dance and embroidery workshops, expert talks, high teas, and celebratory dinners
across certain dates in spring and autumn.
In the pages ahead, be regaled by imagery of swimming with turtles at Tanjong
Jara Resort, indulging in a New Yorker-themed afternoon tea at The Alchemy,
traipsing through gentriﬁed streets of inner Kuala Lumpur around Hotel Stripes andrevisiting healing traditions of the Malaccan Straits Chinese at The Majestic Malacca.
Find out how to make the most of your days in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne andPerth, enjoy the vestiges of summer atop the dramatic garden roof at The Glasshousein Edinburgh, and savour the changing of seasons in Niseko Village, as the trees andsky embrace the coming of autumn and its kaleidescope of colours.
Enjoy this issue and stay tuned for our next edition – where we celebrate that crazylittle thing called love with destination wedding ideas and honeymoon escapes at
our hotels and resorts the world over.

events

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

the challenge
continues
the chapman’s challenge returned forthe sixth time and welcomed two new winners.
Words by PATRICK LOH Photos by ANNA-RINA

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eventsT

A NEW WINNER
This sixth edition of the challenge also saw new winners: Matt
Buckley in the men’s category and Claire Louise Jedrek in thewomen’s. Buckley claimed the top prize after exactly an hourof race time. “The route was tough, especially the uphill roadrun, but I’d like to double the distance,” Buckley joked as hewalked away with a Norqain Adventure Sport watch valued
at RM11,200, as well as a three-day, two-night stay at The

Top: Chapman’s Challenge participants crossing the ﬁnish line.
Above: Chong Yi Wen (left) and Oscar Foo of Sincere Fine Watches also
participated in this year’s Chapman’s Challenge.

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he 2024 edition of the Chapman’s Challenge
at Pangkor Laut Resort welcomed backthe Chapman family and featured a special
appearance by Andrew Reid, from the renowned
Australian series Bondi Rescue. He was invitedby YTL Hotels to set a promising path for all theparticipants and, as expected, the debutante was the ﬁrst to
cross the ﬁnish line as a guest. “The roads were unexpectedly
steep and challenging, but the breathtaking view made it alittle easier,” he said.
All participants took on a thrilling 3.8km uphill road run,an exciting 2.4km jungle trek through the two-million-yearold rainforest, and an exhilarating 1km swim in the watersof Emerald Bay. Norqain – together with its ofﬁcial retailer,
Sincere Fine Watches – returned as the ofﬁcial timekeeper,
offering two luxury sports watches for the winners of the
men’s and women’s categories.

events

Clockwise from above: Andrew Reid of Bondi Rescue (left) shares a handshake with Christopher Spencer Chapman; the Norqain Adventure Sport watch(RM11,200) was the main prize this year; Geraldine Dreiser, Vice President of Marketing and Communications of YTL Hotels, and her three children; creating
lifelong memories at Pangkor Laut Resort.

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events

Matt Buckley and Claire Louise Jedrek (centre) with their prizes, as well as and Christopher Spencer Chapman (third from right) and Geraldine Dreiser (farright) during the prize-giving ceremony.

Unfortunately, she had to sit this one out to recover from a
motorcycle accident injury. “After two years, I ﬁnally founda doctor who could perform surgery on my leg. I hope I
can be up and running again by next year.” At Pangkor
Laur Resort, she was happy to be soaking up the Southeast
Asian heat, while anticipating the turtle release segment of
this event.

Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui. Jedrek wasn’t too far behind witha recorded time of one hour and 11 minutes, and went homewith the same prizes.
The prize-giving ceremony was held over a beach barbecue
dinner at Emerald Bay, presented by YTL Hotels, Norqain
watches and, of course, Christopher Spencer Chapman.

A SECOND CHANCE FOR THE MARINE LIVESThe Nature Conservation Centre, an initiative by YTL Hotels,
oversees the livelihood of marine animals around Pangkor
Laut. Headed by Justin Juhun and his team of marine
biologists, the centre nursed three Hawksbill sea turtles backto health for release as part of the event. “We are always
looking out for marine animals that need our medical help,”
said Juhun, who is determined to prevent sea turtles fromfacing extinction.
As Christopher puts it, the Chapman’s Challenge is notjust a race, but a get-together for families, an event to build
friendships and to give hope to marine lives. “It’s everything
my father would have wanted.”

For more information, visit www.pangkorlautresort.com

17

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEA FAMILY REUNION
Christopher, the youngest son of Colonel Frederick Spencer
Chapman, would like to see a “slightly more challenging
route” in the coming years. However, his purpose at Pangkor
Laut Resort this year was a little different. “In England, I live a
distance away from my children, Stephen and Hazel,” he said.
“We barely meet, so this trip is like a small family reunion.”
The three was spotted enjoying their time at the resort
before Stephen prepared for the race.
It was no surprise that Stephen made it to the top ﬁve with
impeccable results, upholding his family’s legacy. “It would
be great to have a longer route for the swimming portion,”
he said. “Perhaps another run after the swim and ﬁnish
the race with another swim.” Besides his love for theoutdoor challenges, he was enjoying some quality time withhis sister, Hazel.
Hazel was once an active sportswoman and hadparticipated in previous editions of the Chapman’s Challenge.

LIFE ON THE COVER

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Threadneedles Hotel’sbreathtaking Dome Lounge.

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LIFE ON THE COVER

you can bankon it at thethreadneedles
hotel
be square-mile savvy and invest in a stayhere for your next london holiday.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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LIFE ON THE COVER

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe Threadneedles Hotel isa Classical building madeof Portland stone and was
originally built in 1856, as
can be seen on its facade.

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I

LIFE ON THE COVER
This Classical building of Portland stone was built in 1856
for The City Bank branch in London, and a reminder of thiscan still be seen in two places in the hotel today: the logo
on the stained-glass dome over the spacious lobby andthe ornate stone crest of The City Bank above the unusual
circular front doors of the former Victorian bank.
The famous glass-domed lobby adjacent to the hotel bar
is a great place to meet up with friends, have a pre-dinner
aperitif or impress a client. The lobby has been re-ﬁtted
with ﬂoor-to-ceiling bookshelves and leather sofas to givethe space the grand but intimate atmosphere of a successful
Victorian bank. Opposite the hotel lifts is a History Board
with black-and-white photographs from the London Picture

f the Bank of England is nicknamed ‘the old lady of
Threadneedles’, then the elegant Threadneedles
Hotel in the City of London is the charming rake whochats her up any chance he gets. This AutographCollection property is a well-kept secret thatseasoned travellers to London keep close to theirchests. It is strategically located in the Square Mile, whichplays a part in the city’s 800 years of imperial wealth, ﬁnancial
scandals and audacious frauds, and is still the heartbeat ofbanking power today. Threadneedles Hotel’s provenancealso has links to the Merchant Taylors’ Guild, one of the
12 great livery companies of the City of London from theMiddle Ages.

The lounge of thePenthouse suite at The
Threadneedles Hotel.

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LIFE ON THE COVER
Archive that shows how the 19th-century bank tellers’counters were arranged in a row underneath the glass dome.
The board also recounts the story of an American conman,
Austin Bidwell, and his four accomplices, who got rich by
selling fake Bank of England bills of exchange until they werecaught and arrested in 1873. The gang of fraudsters were
aptly called the Thieves of Threadneedles Street.
There is a lot to recommend staying in possibly the richestsquare mile in the world. It is populated during the working
week with ﬁnanciers and lawyers, and buzzing with the pulseof global ﬁnance. In addition, the ﬁve-star property offers anaccessible guest room on the ground ﬂoor with a separate
ramped entrance. And if this sort of trivia interests you,this guest room is just around the corner from the former
Victorian vault of The City Bank. Spread across different ﬂoors
and wings are eight luxury suites, each named after famous
explorers such as Ernest Shackleton, David Livingstone and
Edmund Hillary, and come complete with a little information
about each of them and their adventures in the suites.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis spread: The Threadneedles
Hotel is always a London favourite,
thanks to its central location andproximity to the Royal Exchange.

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LIFE ON THE COVER

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LIFE ON THE COVER
Afternoon tea at The
Threadneedles Hotelis always a delight.

The entire ﬁfth ﬂoor of thehotel can be converted into a
125-square-meter penthouse,
accessed by private lift.

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LIFE ON THE COVER

SPARE CHANGE ANYONE?
A ﬁve-minute walk from Threadneedles Hotel is thenarrow and winding Change Alley, which, in the 1700s,
housed the ﬁrst London stock market. It’s impressive,
but true, that London already had an active stock market
300 years ago; but it didn’t trade under the roof of a
grand establishment. Shares were traded, believe it ornot, in a handful of London alleyways like Change Alleyand coffeehouses. This was because stockjobbers, who
acted as dealers for stocks, were judged to be too rude
and rowdy for the Royal Exchange.

Change Alley (sometimes referred to as Exchange
Alley EC3) was also home to a number of coffeehouses
where stock prices were posted and where tradersbought and sold their shares. Today, there is still a plaqueto mark the location of one of the more famous ones,
Garraway’s Coffee-House. This coffee establishment
was opened by a bookshop owner called Thomas Guy,
who grew so wealthy from his stocks and shares that healso built Guy’s Hospital, which still stands today near
London Bridge.

Book a stay in London’s
Square Mile, home to theworld’s leading banks,
law ﬁrms and centuries ofEnglish heritage.

For more information, visit www.hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

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The entire ﬁfth ﬂoor can be booked as a Penthouseaccommodation, offering you the privilege of private lift
access, two Deluxe Rooms, two Suites, and a full-length
balcony on which to enjoy pre-dinner drinks at sunset. The
Penthouse has a spectacular view of the London skyline ofbuildings, ranging from 17th-century Christopher Wren
churches to 21st-century skyscrapers that locals affectionately
call the ‘Gherkin’ and the ‘Walkie-Talkie’.
The hotel’s location is right in the heady mix of the Royal
Exchange and the Bank of England, as well as former ofﬁcesof the East India Company. You’ll have no doubt that you’restaying in what was once the heart of Empire. In fact, someof the guest rooms in the Executive category were oncethe ofﬁces of The City Bank’s senior executives, and have
grand features such as heavy-panelled mahogany doors andmarble ﬁreplaces. Some of the Executive Rooms have ﬂoorto-ceiling windows, while others are smaller, with views overpretty Finch Lane that run between Threadneedle Street andCornhill, home of luxury boutiques and specialty coffee bars.
The hotel is an ideal base for shopping, as the Royal
Exchange nearby is home to many luxury brands, while
the historic Leadenhall (ﬁlm location of Diagon Alley in the
Harry Potter movie franchise) and Spitalﬁelds markets are apleasant 20-minute stroll away.

life feature

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life feature

majestic momentswith four wonderful spaces to choose from,dishes that will delight your guests and more,
the majestic hotel kuala lumpur will help
you to create unforgettable memories
for you and your loved ones.
Words by ALICIA CORBETTTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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life feature
Another enthralling and cosy space is The Canopy, which
provides an abundance of natural daylight or a stunning viewof the historical mile of the city by nightfall. Its interiors ofcream tones and fluted glass are similarly inspired by Art
Deco like the building’s exterior.
Steps away, hidden near the hotel’s pool, is The Roof
Garden, a gem of an outdoor terrace with its surrounding
beautifully manicured landscape. For those favouring
romantic outdoor settings, host your reception for 30 to 100
guests at the covered gazebo, with the sunset creating a
glorious atmosphere.
Another vital element of the event is, of course, the food.
A gastronomic experience featuring a diverse culinary offering
is on offer, with options including an exquisite Western-stylemenu, a lavish Chinese feast and a sumptuous Malay banquet.
Besides the magical venue choices, the in-house florists at
The Majestic Kuala Lumpur will transform your festivities withglorious floral creations. For everything from guest tables tobridal bouquets and installations, colourful blooms will add
visual intrigue to your big day.
To look your best before you walk down the aisle, indulge
in ultimate pampering treatments, such as a Cellular Firming
Facial, body scrubs and more, at The Majestic Spa.
After a busy day of saying “I do”, head upstairs for a timeof relaxation at one of the 47 suites of The Majestic Wing,
which exudes old-world elegance, or the comfortable
253 guestrooms and suites, decked with dark marble andpolished chrome, at The Tower Wing.
With a professional staff team that will ensure that every
detail is meticulously managed, The Majestic Hotel Kuala
Lumpur is the ultimate address to celebrate the start of yourlife together.

hoosing a wedding venue is one of the mostimportant decisions you’ll have to make for yourspecial day, and The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur
offers you a chance to exchange your vows ina magnificent space of timeless glamour. Few
venues in the nation’s capital evoke a sense ofopulence and elegance quite like this luxury five‑star hotel witha legacy spanning nearly one century. Back in the day, the hotel
was favoured by the colonial elite and prominent visitors, and it
continues to be a preferred location for the crème de la crème.
Constructed in a hybrid of Neoclassical and Art Decostyles, its main building is characterised by tall, white,classically proportioned Roman columns and detailed
cornices. Correspondingly, a curved driveway and covered
porte cochere emanate a sense of grandeur as guests pull
up to the lobby.
The hotel has several spaces to bring your dreamnuptials to life – be it large or small, intimate or grand. This
includes the Majestic Ballroom, which boasts one of thelargest pillarless function spaces in the city. The space isa realm of absolute luxury, with dazzling hand-cut crystal
chandeliers suspended from the high ornate ceiling, plush
carpeting and a custom built-in stage for the proceedings.
This is accompanied by three state-of-the-art LED screens,combined with stage lighting, to create a dreamy wedding
atmosphere with unlimited content possibilities or to display
meaningful moments, all in high-definition.
For those looking for a distinctive space for a small party,
The Orchid Conservatory will add a touch of floral magic toyour nuptials. The only one of its kind in the country, thislush area showcases a hanging garden and an orchidscapewithin a glass atrium. Here, thousands of stunning largepetaled phalaenopsis orchids in bloom create an enchanting
backdrop – perfect for unforgettable wedding photos.

For more information, visit www.majestickl.com

Left: The Roof Garden.
Facing page: The Orchid
Conservatory.
Previous spread: The Canopy.

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life feature

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29

life featurearias in paradise
the second edition of opera in paradise
introduces a host of new names andreturning favourite andrea griminelli.
Words by KENNETH TAN Photos by JZUNG THE PHOTOZ AND YTL HOTELSTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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F

life featuremusical director of an opera set within a tropical island insteadof a concert hall. “It was an honour when I was asked becauseof the relationship I enjoy with the YTL family,” he says.
Dato’ Mark Yeoh, YTL Corporation’s Executive Director,
remembers being in Modena – the birthplace of Pavarotti –and reﬂecting on his own family’s memories of Pavarotti. “We
used to visit Luciano there. And, of course, I called Andrea tobecome the music director for Opera in Paradise.”Thus Opera in Paradise – a tribute to Pavarotti and also
intended to beneﬁt Hospis Malaysia – made perfect sense to
Griminelli. “God gives us talents and we have to give back,”
he says, “and to remember Pavarotti as well at this island
resort that is rich with his legacy.” (The resort’s highest-tieraccommodation is named The Pavarotti Suite.)
Having worked with him at more than 200 concerts aroundthe world, Griminelli likens Pavarotti to a father. “I remember
him asking me, when I was a young musician, to join him for aconcert – I was just studying in Paris then.” To many, Pavarotti
was a myth. Griminelli, however, possesses an enduring
memory of the maestro’s great generosity. “He loved a lotof people and was always generous with his advice. He evenordered a gold ﬂute for me.”It’s no wonder, then, that the wheels quickly whirred into
motion for the inaugural edition of Opera in Paradise. Thanks
to Griminelli’s global renown, he was able to assemble a starlineup comprising American tenor Michael Austin, who isrom 18 to 20 October 2024, the hotly anticipatedOpera in Paradise returns for its second edition,buoyed by the sold-out crowd and magniﬁcent
reception for its inaugural edition last year. This
year, the roster of artistes includes returning
musical director and ﬂautist Andrea Griminelli,along with multi-album mezzo-soprano Laura Wright, awardwinning soprano Cathy-Di Zhang, and celebrated tenor
John Longmuir, who has performed more than 500 times forOpera Australia.
At last year’s Opera in Paradise, musical director Andrea
Griminelli remembers his very ﬁrst trip to Pangkor Laut Resort
back in 1994, when he travelled there as part of the musician
ensemble to the late Luciano Pavarotti. At the time, when
asked on his ﬁrst encounter with the private island resort ofPangkor Laut Resort, Pavarotti, one of the legendary Three
Tenors, exclaimed: “This place is enchanting, it is paradise
here. This morning when I woke up, I went out and I was really
moved, almost crying to see how beautiful things has been
done by God – because this is really paradise.”In the intervening years, Griminelli would continue visiting
Pangkor Laut Resort on his sojourns into Asia. “I came again
in 2002 with Pavarotti when he inaugurated the spa, and I’ve
probably been here between eight and 10 times.” So, when
the idea for Opera in Paradise was conceived, Griminelli
remembers wondering what it would be like, being the

Opera In Paradise began
in the Samudera gazebo in
Pangkor Laut Resort.

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life feature

Emily Burnett, Andrea
Griminelli and Sophie
Rowland (above) says that
performing in such idyllicsettings was a delight.

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life feature

Guests savouring the soaring vocals anddulcet melodies amidst the spectacularsetting that is Pangkor Laut Resort.

swing with Griminelli launching into a repertoire of Bizet,
Morricone, Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro, and Czardas
by Vittorio Monti, among others. Of note was Austin’s
rendition of O Paradiso, harking back to Pavarotti’s evocativedescription of the resort.
Then, a stirring trio of songs by Belle Voci with Flower
Duet, Nessun Dorma and Time to Say Goodbye, before
Griminelli and Austin brought up the rear with O Sole Mio.
The ﬁnal song for the evening, Verdi’s Brindisi, even saw arainbow colour the horizon, which prompted Griminelli toquip that Pavarotti himself was smiling on, and approved of,the proceedings.
An opera gala dinner that followed at Feast Village also
included the Pavarotti Pasta, reconstructed by the kitchen
team from notes found in the 1988 Metropolitan Opera cook
book (in which Pavarotti contributed two recipes – both for
pasta). For mains, the King’s Medallion of roasted wagyu andshaved trufﬂe recalled the repeated requests by the presentday King Charles III at Pangkor Laut Resort during his 2017
ofﬁcial tour of Malaysia. To conclude, opera cake was served
as dessert, a French classic popularised in the mid-century asa tribute to the Paris opera.
Reﬂecting on the inaugural Opera in Paradise, Griminellisays: “I’m very moved because I see so many friends here –people I’ve known for so long. And for us to do a concert
every year here – it gives me a kind of happiness, and I’m
excited to bring the best musicians and the best singers tothis paradise.”

For more information, visit www.pangkorlautresort.com

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known for his starring role in Verdi’s Othello, as well as Belle
Voci (Italian for ‘beautiful voices’), a soprano duo from theUK who featured on the live ﬁnals of The Voice UK and also
performed at the 2019 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
Emily Burnett and Sophie Rowland, who make up Belle
Voci, comments: “It’s just bizarre that our voices brought
us somewhere as idyllic as this – we just can’t stop smiling.”
During soundcheck, Burnett and Rowland observed thatamid the melody of string quintet and the piano, the rhythmic
waves added ‘another level’ to their performance that they
couldn’t believe.
Austin, whose his life-long career began as a ﬁve-year-old
singing in church, describes his ﬁrst-ever visit to Pangkor LautResort in much the same way as Pavarotti did. “You see aparadise when looking at the beautiful waters, the greeneryand the people here, who are so nice.” The tenor, who fancies
a game of golf or chess in between work, says the greatest
gift that music has given him is humility. “If you really study
the literature of all the composers, and really understand it, it
makes you a better human being. These were brilliant people
and they knew what they were doing – and I’m thankful every
day for the lessons that we are still learning through theirmusic, especially given the state of the world today.”Throughout the Opera in Paradise programme, guests
enjoyed the many charms of Pangkor Laut Resort, froma ‘Pasar Malam Night’ welcome dinner, which recalls theﬂavours and aromas of nearby Ipoh city’s street food scene,to scenic cocktails at Fisherman’s Cove, overlooking the Straitof Malacca.
At Samudera, the resort’s al fresco gazebo, and against
a rock face, the inaugural Opera in Paradise went into fulllife feature

beauty fromland to sea
from the fish of the waters to the turtlesof the beaches, tanjong jara resort
is a true place to immerse in
the natural beauty of terengganu.
Words by KARMUN NGI
THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

Depending on your luck, the graceful sight of a sea turtle
soaring through the waters may or may not greet you. But
don’t be disappointed if one isn’t on your dive logbook;there’s a second chance to spot them on land.
On the sandy stretch of beach near the resort, turtlenesting walks welcome guests of all ages. Just a short stroll
from the resort, Dungun beach stretches out as a protectedbeach, where, between May and September, green turtles
come ashore to lay eggs. Terengganu is famously known as
the ‘Land of Turtles’ and it keeps to its reputation to this day.
The warm, grainy sand and the gentle slope of this particular
stretch make it relatively easy for the turtles to negotiate
their way across.
To keep the eggs from harm, they are retrieved byauthorities from the nest and reburied in warm sand in asafely guarded hatchery – a step unfortunately now necessary
because it remains legal to eat turtle eggs, driving up theirdemand. If you stay at Tanjong Jara Resort, your chances ofbeing part of a turtle’s cycle of life, from nesting and hatching
to release and inevitable return, are exclusively high.

f the real meaning of travel is to live and breathe as the
locals do, then a real beach vacation should involve
nothing less. Get to know the critters and creaturesof the sand and sea on your next beach holiday at
Tanjong Jara Resort, where kaleidoscopes of ﬁsh paintthe underwater scene a myriad of colours, just as theturtles meet and greet visitors both on land and in the water.
In and around the island of Tenggol, just a stone’s throw
away from the resort, many stunning dive sites await both
serious divers as well as casual snorkellers. The smoothcurrents of Tanjung Api make for great drift-diving along
sheer underwater walls adorned with splashes of brightly
coloured soft and hard corals, while the soft tree corals of
Batu Tokong Kamudi set a bed of delight for sea anemonesand nudibranchs. More leisurely dives of a shallower nature
can be found at the rocky outcrop of Tokong Timur, whichbursts into life with schooling ﬁsh, thanks to its nutrientrich waters, as well as Nyireh Point, where large bumpheadparrotﬁsh can be sighted along with the lovable pufferﬁsh.
In high season, divers may even spot whale sharks – gentle
giants that can measure up to 18m in length – languidly
gliding near the surface of Tenggol.

For more information, visit www.tanjongjararesort.com

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life featureThis and facing page:
The wonders of thenatural world are
all around you at
Tanjong Jara Resort.

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life featureclassic
highlands feast
savour the best of the new great highlands
roast menu with juicy roasted lamb leg,
fresh local vegetables and classic english
dishes at cameron highlands resort.
Words by ALICIA CHOO Photos by MARCUS WONG

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The Dining Room of
Cameron Highlands
Resort affords stunningviews of abundant
greenery.

H

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis four-course menu begins with a choice of either
mossy forest salad or chicken liver pâté with mango chutney,
leafy greens and toasted bread. The former is a nod to the
nearby mossy forest, where guests can embark on calming
hikes and treks through a nature paradise reminiscent of themovie Avatar. Local herbs and greens form the base of thissalad, with watercress, locally harvested mushrooms andcherry tomatoes, topped with balsamic vinaigrette. A sesame
feta cheese cigar adds a crispy ﬁnishing touch to the salad.
Next on the menu is a sweet corn chowder, with themain spotlight on the region’s well-favoured Pearl corn thatis known for its salient natural sweetness. To prepare thechowder, the corn is boiled with the husk to fully extract its
rich ﬂavours into a stock. The kernels are then removed andsauteed with onions, garlic and leeks. After incorporating
butter and ﬂour to create a velouté, this mixture is combinedwith the corn stock, pureed with cream and served withgolden-brown croutons on top.
For the mains, guests can choose from two meat options
or a vegetarian dish. The highland vegetable Wellington

aving evolved from a hill station during colonial
times, Cameron Highlands did not gainsigniﬁcant attention until 1925, when British
governor Sir George Maxwell documented its
discovery, subsequently drawing expatriates
and planters who recognised the potential of
its fertile mountain slopes for growing tea. Perched 1,500m
above sea level amidst a forested mountainscape, Cameron
Highlands Resort is a picturesque plateau matched by its coolclimate, greenway trails and ﬂower beds.
To revisit the traditional English customs in this cottagestyled mountain retreat, the resort has introduced a newmenu called The Great Highlands Roast. Held every Saturdayat the Dining Room, this dinner feast centres around a
succulent roast lamb leg sourced from the hills of Darling
Downs, Australia. The lamb is marinated with fragrant herbs
before being slow roasted at medium heat for one hour.
“This process tenderises the meat and locks in the juices,which gives it a nice, even char,” says chef Mohan Deligannu,
corporate executive chef of YTL Hotels.

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Clockwise from top: Wellington with Cameron Highlands vegetables;
Eton Mess for dessert; the classical environment of the Dining Room.
Facing page: The Great Highlands Roast is served every Saturday.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

is made with a bijou-sized Kabocha squash, wrapped in acrepe and layered with a rich sweet-potato spinach ﬁlling.
Alternatively, the roasted free-range chicken is classically
prepared with brine and then roasted with a thyme andlemon ﬁnish. The pièce de resistance is, undoubtedly,
the lamb roast, accompanied by a selection of farm-freshsides including broccoli, cherry tomatoes, roast potatoes,
sweet potatoes and seared onions. Freshly baked Yorkshire
pudding, prepared on the day of the roast, is also included
with all main course options.
Capping off the meal is the Eton Mess, a classic English
dessert derived from the resort’s storied colonial past.
This dessert contains homegrown strawberries, crumbly
meringue and whipped cream, all draped with an artisan
strawberry coulis.
More than just a meal, The Great Highlands Roast at
Cameron Highlands Resort is a dining experience thattransports you through a rich tapestry of history and ﬂavour.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this Saturday feast offers
the ﬁnest highland cuisine, set against an idyllic backdrop.

For more information, visit www.cameronhighlandsresort.com

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love is in the air
paint your summer romance with a touch ofkristang heritage and tradition – breakfast,
spa and dinner included – with the malaccaromance package at the majestic malacca
Words by KARMUN NG

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restaurants chefs simmer, sizzle and sear up a repository oftantalising colonial heritage intertwined with local ﬂavours.
Its trademark lies in its simplicity, emphasising high-quality
and the freshest ingredients.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in the colourful foodculture of the city through the exclusive Sunset Street Food
Trail. Experience the street food of Malacca and follow in thefootsteps of the locals for a lively neighbourhood night out.
Eat like a local, taste delicious bites and hear personal stories
from a food guide who will introduce you to local delights
such as Capitol Seafood Longkang Siham and Bunga RayaFried Oyster.
Awaken in the morning with a scrumptious breakfast for
two, serving up an eclectic selection inﬂuenced by Malacca’s
rich multicultural ﬂavours contributed by the Kristang,
Portuguese, Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. Take yourtime because, while true love prevails, the hours tick by way
too fast when falling into the face it.

long the coasts of Peninsula Malaysia, noplace comes alive with romance as much as
the historic town of Malacca, the port city oflore that, in ancient times, welcomed royal
princesses from afar with hands betrothed
to local Kings and Sultans for marriage. The
romantic mosaic of cultures, heritage and traditions of thiscross-border love stories makes Malacca a place of timelesspassions and allure.
Paint your own modern fairy tale set amidst elements ofKristang heritage traditions at The Majestic Malacca with
its Malacca Romance package. Designed to take you backin time to add a sense of nostalgia and serendipity to yourown courtship, the package comes with a night’s stay at
the historic hotel, complete with breakfast, spa session anddinner for two.
Escape to an era of timeless romance amidst thestreets of Malacca, which has a storied past that is globally
recognised and well preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. The day’s excursion done, come home to the heart of
the hotel that is restored from a 1920s Straits Settlement
mansion, complete with its original porcelain tile ﬂooring
and teakwood ﬁttings. Here, be pampered by a 50-minutecouple’s massage at Spa Village Malacca, the world’s only
spa to base its therapies on the healing heritage of the BabaNyonya or Peranakan culture.
Inspired by the elaborate and colourful 12-day Peranakan
Wedding Ceremony, every guest enjoys a pre-spa experienceat Spa Village Malacca that includes a soothing hair careritual. Therapies are moulded around a person’s cool orwarm energies based on Peranakan beliefs and inspired bytraditional Chinese medicine.
Once rejuvenated and ready for dinner, you have a choiceof a celebrated Kristang Dinner for two at the Mansion or a
Malacca Sunset Street Food Tour. Rooted in a 500-year-old
legacy, Kristang cuisine is inﬂuenced by a harmonious mix
of culinary styles. An ode to Malacca’s cosmopolitan past,
Kristang cuisine entices with a heady mélange of Dutch,
Portuguese and Malacca-Portuguese inﬂuences, where theFor more information, visit www.majesticmalacca.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

lay it on
at gaya island resort, its japanese cuisine
involves a bit of trust and a lot of taste.
Words by KARMUN NG

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T

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

hose seeking authentic Japanese ﬂavours and anomakase experience will be most delighted toﬁnd that after a day out that began with morning
kayaking through mangroves and sipping onbeers at Tavajun Bay will eventually lead to amost unexpected omakase dinner.
Here at Omakase – which doubles as the name of therestaurant – one has the choice of three dining options:
shabu-shabu, teppanyaki and nabe. Perched atop a cliff andwith panoramic views of Malohom Bay and Mount Kinabalu,
the two-storey Omakase restaurant offers the perfect ﬁnale
to a day well spent.
The crucial element about the restaurant – and the reason
for its name – is that it relies solely on fresh ingredients andthe day’s catch from the sea. Expect fresh cuts of ﬁsh used foryour sushi, sublime pieces of beef swirling about your shabushabu pot, and all manner of fresh vegetables, seafood, meatand noodles in your comforting nabe broth.
The most classic of Japanese cuisine comes served withlashings of omotenashi – the Japanese spirit of wholeheartedly
looking after guests – and you will ﬁnd yourself revisiting thisdinner-only destination time and time again, for the service
as you do the food. Among the highlights are teppanyaki
dishes with chicken and mushroom; tuna, prawn and beef
with bell peppers; as well as seared unagi, marinated tako,
crab tempura, and hearty garlic egg friend rice.
Spoilt for choice? That’s the beauty of it – you can literally
leave things to the chef, as per the name of the restaurant.

For more information, visit www.gayaislandresort.com

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meetings witha difference
work and luxury meet at the ritz-carlton, kuala lumpur
for meetings amid its opulent environment.
Words by ALICIA CORBETTTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

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TRULY COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIESEvery room is equipped with state-of-the-art technology,
including a PA system, teleconferencing equipment, walkie
talkies and more. In-house technology support includes a
decorator, event lighting, a photographer, a translator, anda dedicated event team to ensure the seamless execution of
every occasion. To make the corporate event a success andA wide variety of canapes
and small bites areavailable for all meetings,
events and conferences
held at The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

lthough many industries have now shiftedto hybrid or remote working, convening inperson for group meetings or conferences
continues to prove its beneﬁt of strengthening
relationship-building and improving teamcollaboration. Making the essential greatﬁrst impression with potential clients can also be ensured
by converging at a world-class hotel. The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala
Lumpur is one such beacon of sophisticated contemporary
luxury in the Golden Triangle business district, steps away fromthe Petronas Twin Towers and a short drive from the KL Sentral
Train Station. For organisations, time is naturally a valuable
resource and its prime location allows guests to get down tobusiness swiftly.
Business clients would be impressed merely by the drive
up to the hotel, as its magniﬁcence is evident even before theglass doors are opened by the serving Gentlemen. Guests
can opt to arrive and depart through a private entrance at theClub Wing, which also houses the Club Lounge, exclusively
for The Ritz-Carlton Club Guests.
Meetings may be held at the Carlton Conference Center,
which includes a Banquet Hall and 13 meeting and function
rooms spread over two ﬂoors, many with natural daylight.
This includes spaces for intimate gatherings, classy businessmeetings, as well as conferences and corporate functions,with the largest space catering up to 504 persons. Here,every tastefully appointed room is outﬁtted with swanky
chandeliers and plush carpeting.

life feature

The Carlton Conference Center
includes a Banquet Hall and 13
meeting and function rooms
spread over two ﬂoors.

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

special themed breaks and meeting package lunches fromThe Starhill Dining.
After a busy day of meetings, guests may book a stayat one of the luxurious accommodations upstairs, whichboasts exquisite furnishings, opulent marble bathrooms andpremium appointments. A Club Level Residential Meeting
Package is available for a limited time, which comes withdining discounts and an overnight stay in a Club Executive
Deluxe room.
Each Ritzy meeting is brought to life by the unique andthoughtful service of their Ladies and Gentlemen, and is sure
to delight every guest.

prove that you anticipate the needs of your future clients,
extensive event equipment and supplies are available
upon request. Furthermore, meeting rooms can be set up
according to the desired layout such as conference, hollow
square, e-shape, u-shape, theatre and more.
Making every meeting truly memorable is the exemplary
culinary team at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur, which has
impressed discerning palates for decades. A Chef-on-Call
Service, providing a private dining service, is available forbespoke corporate occasions, where guests will be served bytheir very own chef, butler and hostess. For exemplary guests
who value elegance, indulge in a selection of International
Buffet, Chinese and Western cuisines with the banquet menu
packages available. Otherwise, guests may enquire about
the various food and beverage options available, including

For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

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48

life featurea ritzy
weekendfeast
from bouillabaisse andcarbonara to pad thai and sushi,
the ritzy weekend feast
at the ritz-carlton,
kuala lumpur will have all of
your cravings covered.
Words by PATRICK LOH
Photographs by LAW SOO PHYE

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life featurefeatures bouillabaisse, a traditional Provençal ﬁsh soup from
Marseille. At the next station, poultry and seafood are reﬁned
with authentic Indian spices. The mutton curry, chicken andshrimp are cooked with high-quality ingredients to highlighttheir best aromas.
The journey continues at the American section, where you
can choose from seven house-made sausages crafted by
Master Butcher Willie for your hot dog. The same counter
also serves Italian dishes, offering diners the freedom tochoose from an assortment of pastas and pizzas baked withthe heartiest Italian ingredients.
Go the extra mile and add some savoury roast beef cube
roll and succulent lemon thyme roast chicken to your platefrom The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur’s signature carving
trolley. Also from the cart, the Yorkshire pudding deserves aspot on your plate.
End your culinary journey on a sweet note at the dessert
island table, where a parade of Persian desserts, suchas creamy fruit tarts and chocolate-covered puffs, await.
Curated specially by Persian guest pastry chef and cakedesigner, Zahra Mohaghegh and Chef Hoss, the dessert lineup also includes a display of decadent French pastries andclassic cakes.
The Ritzy Weekend Feast buffet is not to be rushed
through, especially with the variety of food and drinks onoffer. Forget about driving home through heavy trafﬁc andspend the night instead at The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur –another reason to eat and drink with a clear conscience. Turnthe weekend into a short getaway in the city, and explore
the many amenities that the hotel possesses. Relax yourmind with the Sensory Sound Bath treatment, enjoy a drink
at The Library or savour scrumptious Chinese cuisine at Li
Yen. Before checking out, shop at The Starhill next door toperfect your weekend getaway.
The Ritzy Weekend Feast is available on Fridays andSaturdays at The Cobalt Room from 6.30pm-10pm for
RM170++ per person.

s the clock ticks closer to 6.30pm on Fridays,
the anticipation to start the weekend escalates
and the whole city begins the journey withlavish dinners. Despite being spoilt for choice,deciding on what cuisine to savour can be
tough. For that reason, The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala
Lumpur’s The Cobalt Room has now opened up its nighttime
space for a weekend of culinary bliss – The Ritzy Weekend
Feast – featuring dishes from 10 different countries, including
Spain, Italy, India and Japan.
The Ritzy Weekend Feast brings together different foodcultures, pampering guests with various food choices. Eachbuffet station serves an array of dishes from around theglobe, all carefully curated to elevate your dining experience.
Start by exploring the appetiser towers that feature large
shrimp and squid, infused with British ﬂavours and presented
in martini glasses, before moving on to Southern Thai cuisinewith pad thai, wok-fried squid, and Pla Thod Rad Pring, allcurated by Thai Tastemaker Chef Rasikan. The open kitchenarea continues to impress with the Chinese-style roast
chicken and delightful Japanese yakiniku.
The culinary adventure ﬂows into Spanish territory,
with seafood paella, seared tuna tataki, and octopus
carpaccio in tapas style. Beside it, the French counter

Preparing the grilledmeats and seafood.

For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

Roast beef cube rolland Yorkshire pudding
from The Ritz-Carlton,
Kuala Lumpur’ssignature carving trolley.

A cornucopia of
epicurean delights await.

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Persian and French
desserts curated
by guest pastry
chef and cakedesigner, Zahra
Mohaghegh andChef Hoss of Lnop.

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life featurebotanical
aesthetics
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at the jw marriott hotel kuala lumpur, one finds theidyllic jw garden, a space for tranquility, memorable
marriage proposals and more.
Words by ALICIA CORBETT Photos by MARCUS WONG

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respite. Surrounded by verdant ﬂora and fauna, guests areencouraged to escape from travel itineraries at the tranquil
space and take a pause to experience healing. It has also been
designed for sustainable sourcing of fresh herbs, including
Thai Basil, Sweet Basil and kesum, which are later transported
to the plate for unforgettable meals.
The JW Garden is also a refreshing alternative to holding
your nuptials before retreating indoors to continue thefestivities. The beautifully manicured space is an idyllic garden
setting for a fairy tale garden wedding, with a twinkling skyline
in the background come nightfall. It acts as a gorgeous, lush
green open canvas to which your preferred colour palette canbe added and can be personalised for romantic setups in any
way that suits you.
The private hideaway is also a truly gorgeous spot to get
down on one knee and pop the question, and we suggest
picking a sunset moment for that perfect photo op. Afterwards,
celebrate by dining at one of the splendid culinary offeringsat the hotel, such as The Alchemy or the Shanghai restaurant.

he capital of Malaysia may be a chaotic
blend of towering skyscrapers and crumblingcolonial-era buildings, but it is still home tosome great green spaces. One of these is
the JW Garden by JW Marriott Hotel Kuala
Lumpur, hidden in the heart of the Golden
Triangle, along Bintang Walk. It is part of the legacy of thebrand’s founders J. Willard Marriott and Alice Marriott, whowere known for their great love of the outdoors, and JWMarriot believes that a connection to it is a necessary part ofnourishing one’s soul.
From creating a serene sanctuary to becoming a sourceof fresh ingredients for culinary creations at the hotel,
JW Garden brings the outside into the ﬁve-star address.
Besides the opulence and grandeur of its interior that it is
known for, this has become a signature element of the JWMarriott experience. It has been inspired by other gardensat properties such as JW Marriott Essex House New York,
created by renowned Los Angeles-based landscape designer
Lily Kwong who aims to reconnect guests to nature.
The JW Garden, situated next to the outdoor pool, hasbeen carefully curated to offer inspiration and as a place ofFor more information, visit www.jwmarriottkualalumpur.com

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe JW Garden in JW Marriott
Hotel Kuala Lumpur is inspiredby other Marriott hotels andproperties from around the world.

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a sip ofthe big apple
experience a beautiful unity of twocontrasting lifestyles coming together withthe alchemy’s new yorker afternoon tea.
Words by JUERN NG

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The savoury delights don’t just stop there. On the secondtier, you’ll ﬁnd more delectable options that are globallyinspired. The Upstate Smoked Cheddar, Chicken, and Leek
Pithivier boasts a robust and hearty ﬁlling, encased in aﬂaky, buttery pastry crust. The Trufﬂe and Chives Deviled
Eggs are rich and velvety, accompanied by a dill pickle relish
for that sour crunch to cut through the creaminess.
Those who appreciate the slightly tangy proﬁle of goatcheese will enjoy the Goat Cheese Gateux with Pistachio
Crumble, which offers a unique combination of texturesand ﬂavours.
Moving on to the last tier, the scones come in bothbuttermilk and cranberry options, served with clotted
cream and Meyer lemon curd – its sweet and nuanced
citrus ﬂavour the perfect alternative to jam. Finally, as you
turn your attention to the sweets plate, you’ll discover atempting array, ranging from classic treats like the Almond
Bar and Blueberry Cake, to innovative creations such as
the Vertical Lemon Fromage Tart, Orange Charlotte andRaspberry Chocolate Petite Gateau. Sweets lovers will ﬁnd
it a heavenly experience, indulging in a variety of sweetsthat satisfy every craving.
After afternoon tea, if you’re in the mood for drinks, The
Alchemy lives up to its name with its extensive collection ofgins, crafted into magical cocktails. For those who prefernon-alcoholic options, there are also mocktails to indulge
in. It’s the best way to conclude the overall experience.

fternoon tea is a cherished English tradition,
introduced by Anna, the seventh Duchessof Bedford, in the 1840s. While thetradition is often revered for its timelesscharm, The Alchemy reimagines this beloved
custom with a distinctly interesting twist on

the experience.
Located in the heart of the city centre at The Starhill
Dining, The Alchemy offers easy access to its stylish venue.
With its inviting plush teal velvet and tan leather seats,complemented by soft ambient lighting and a soothingatmosphere, The Alchemy provides a swift escape from thebusy city. Its cosy setting fosters an intimate ambience ideal
for leisurely conversations.
Here, experience the taste of its New Yorker Afternoon
Tea, blending urban ﬂair with the reﬁned elegance of English
tea traditions. Inﬂuenced by the diverse culinary scene of the
Big Apple, The Alchemy offers an array beyond traditionalteas, featuring a broad selection of hot chocolate, coffee andeven spirited coffee blends for those seeking to add someexcitement to their day.
The pastries are served on a three-tier stand, with sweets
arranged on the side. Begin with the bottom tier, which
consists of ﬁnger sandwiches that come in unique ﬂavours
like salt beef with sauerkraut and lingonberry compotewith brie and walnut. Served alongside the sandwiches aresmoked salmon and cream cheese bagels – a popular New
York staple – and lemon brioche topped with whitebait
shrimp, showcasing contrasting yet complementary ﬂavours,
which I quite enjoyed.

For more information, visit www.thestarhilldining.com

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mixing businessand pleasurefrom savoury tapas to charcuterie boards,
the ac lounge at ac hotel kuala lumpur, kuantan
and penang is a convenient destination
where guests can connect and refuel.
Words by ALICIA CHOO

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThe AC Lounge at AC Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

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From top: Gambas al ajillo,
spaghetti gennaro, seafood
paella and patatas bravas.

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The AC Lounge at
AC Hotel Kuantan.

S

et in the industrial district of Titiwangsa Sentral,
the AC Hotel Kuala Lumpur provides businesstravellers a combination of convenience and local
authenticity. Its strategic location places guests in
the hub of Kuala Lumpur, with direct access to thebusy light-rail transit (LRT) and the Monorail rapid
interchange station. Within minutes, guests can reach thecommercial centre, retail precincts, entertainment venues
and healthcare services.
Residing within this business hotel is the AC Lounge,
an ergonomic space for guests to work, collaborate

and unwind. Similarly, the lounge is replicated at twoother AC establishments in Kuantan and Penang, where
guests can mingle over food, signature cocktails, local
craft beer and wine on tap. Among these offerings isa special menu featuring an eclectic mix of tapas andsmall plates.
Ease into your afternoon or evening with a table ofsavoury bites, starting with appetisers – the classic tomato
bruschetta marinated in olive oil, herbs and garlic; thegolden crispy chicken leg paired with homemade aioli sauce;the patatas bravas cooked in smoky bravas sauce; and the
succulent gambas al ajillo infused with sizzling garlic olive
oil. Moving on the mains, the spaghetti gennaro is delicately
prepared with minced anchovies delivering robust umami
notes, while the slow-cooked seafood paella is a symphonyof rich aromas melding together vegetables, shrimp, claims
and juicy calamari.
A signature you should not miss out is the AC grazing
platter, which contains an assortment of cheeses, smokedsalmon, lamb prosciutto, dried fruits, grapes, nuts andsliced artisanal bread in a curated charcuterie board – thisplatter illustrates a Mediterranean-style experience and isperfect for sharing with friends. Finally, end your AC Lounge
experience on a sweet note with their deep-friend churros
coated in cinnamon sugar and served alongside a velvety
chocolate sauce.
If you’re looking to recharge or indulge in their tapas
selections, the AC Lounge at the AC Hotel Kuala Lumpur – aswell as its counterparts in Kuantan and Penang – facilitates
as an exemplary backdrop for undisturbed productivity andan escape from your hectic surroundings. The tapas menu
is available daily at AC Lounge Kuala Lumpur, Penang andKuantan from 2:30pm to 10:30pm.

Tortilla de patatas.

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For more information, visit ac-hotels.com

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AC grazing platter.

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where the old andnew coexist
in recent years, the neighbourhood
around hotel stripes kuala lumpur has
transformed to seamlessly blend heritage
offerings and modern experiences.
Words by ALICIA CORBETT Photos by LAW SOO PHYE

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mining during the colonial era. At the end of the 19th century,a devastating ﬂood and ﬁre destroyed the early settlements,
which had been mostly constructed from wood and thatch.
Following this, most of the buildings were replaced with ‘brickand tiles’ as stipulated by the British colonial administration.
The piece of land on which Hotel Stripes currently stands
eventually became YTL Corporation’s very ﬁrst ofﬁce
and headquarters. In 2017, this was transformed into thecurrent hotel, the second Autograph Collection hotel in
Malaysia within the Marriott International portfolio. Afterthe pandemic, the area has since blossomed into a lively
and vibrant hub but, only seven years ago, it was still a quiet
street with a smattering of 1940s shophouses and decadesold family-owned businesses.
One such establishment is Yut Kee Restaurant, whichver at Jalan Kamunting, Kuala Lumpur,
sits Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur. The hotel
perfectly exempliﬁes the unique blendof contemporary design and traditional
charm of its surrounding neighbourhood.
Its distinctive feature is its brick façade,where 120,000 pieces of bricks were specially moulded tobe mounted horizontally without using mortar or cement.
Throughout the building, horizontal bands are interspersed
to frame the progression of the brick screening, resulting in a
‘stripes’ effect, which gave the hotel its distinct name.
Besides being a unique piece of architecture, this design
also pays homage to the rich history of the surrounding
neighbourhood, one of the oldest in Kuala Lumpur. In thedays of old, Jalan Kamunting was the main settlement for tin

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is now run by third-generation owner Mervyn Lee, with hisfather Jack occasionally helping him. Long queues can beseen outside the restaurant at most times, which serves
traditional Hainanese dishes such as stir-fried Hailam Mee
and Kaya Roll.
Jack, who turns 80 soon, says: “Our restaurant wasestablished in 1928, and it was moved from its former premises
at Jalan Dang Wangi to the unit next door in 2014. I grew up
in our current unit at No.1, Jalan Kamunting. We were the ﬁrst
unit here to commercialise. When we acquired both units, we
restarted the restaurant in 2014. In fact, the late Tan Sri Dato’
Seri Yeoh Tiong Lay, the founder of YTL Corporation, dinedat our shop 10 days before he passed away.
“When Hotel Stripes came up, this was still a residentialarea,” Jack continues. “It has deﬁnitely gotten busier in thepast few years, which is good for all the residents here.”
Another living treasure of the area is Loke Kwong Yuen, adapper gentleman with perfectly coiffed silver locks and thesecond-generation owner of Ah Loke Tailor. He has continued
his father’s legacy of being one of the most reputable tailors
in the Klang Valley for decades. The ‘sifu’ (or master) has

Clockwise from top: Yut Kee restaurant, run by a third-generation owner,remains a hit with both locals and tourists; enjoying local delights in Yut
Kee; a local friendly neighborhood barber; a textile store along Jalan
Tuanku Abdul Rahman; Loke Kwong Yuen has been operating his tailor
shop for more than 50 years.

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life featuredressed notable ﬁgures, including Bob Hawke, former prime
minister of Australia; Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad; and boxer
Joe Bugner.
“I’ve been here for more than 50 years already. I learned
the trade from my father,” Loke says. “In recent years, theneighbourhood has become more developed with more
people renting as it is quite near the city centre.”
Sitting alongside these old-school businesses is aplethora of modern eateries to dine in, offering cuisines such
as Japanese, Western, contemporary Chinese, and authentic
Italian. Many locals and international tourists can been seen
frequenting these establishments to whet their appetites
and to populate their social media. And thanks to a delightful
selection of cafes in the area, the corporate crowd and digital
nomads have also made the neighborhood a second ofﬁce.
Another notable addition is the reincarnation of The
Row, formerly known as the Asian Heritage Row. Here, atotal of 22 pre-war shophouses feature an amalgamationof great restaurants, dazzling nightlife, cafés, and creative
businesses. For instance, visitors can shop for eclectic
designer household pieces at Haus or customise theirbicycles at The Bike Artisans. Opposite sits a cutting-edgeboutique Neo, which offers effortlessly chic monochrome
pieces for all genders.
A stone’s throw away, is the Loke Mansion, the former
residence of the late tin tycoon Loke Yew, which is anamalgamation of Dutch, Malay, and Chinese architectural
styles. Its exterior is a magniﬁcent sight to behold. Then, hop
on a taxi to nearby Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, which is averitable textile haven. Here, shoppers hunt for bargain deals
for traditional wear that are available in a plethora of colours.
Due to the hotel’s proximity to the heart of Kuala Lumpur,

the marvels of the city landscape can also be experienced
here, including a postcard-worthy shot of the Petronas Twin
Towers by standing at the intersection of Jalan Kamunting
and Jalan Yap Ah Shak. For unobstructed dazzling views of
the KL Tower, ride the elevator to the rooftop of Man Tao Bar
at Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, where you can sip on cocktails
and nibble on yakitori.
The hotel is also home to other mouthwatering dining
experiences such as a quintessential English Afternoon
Tea derived from sister hotel, The Academy London, witha delightful Asian twist. During Fridays and Saturdays,
an immense platter of delectable Beef Brisket, Farmer’s
Sausages, Chicken with Sumac Spices, and more awaits at
the You Chill, We Grill experience at Brasserie 25.

For more information, visit www.stripeskl.com

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restoringbalancewith a focus on physical and mental health,spa village resort tembok, bali serves asa peaceful enclave with exclusive retreats,scenic views and conscious dining.
Words by ALICIA CHOO

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Suites, and the Baruna and Samudra Villas – is built as an
intimate refuge, offering secluded privacy and sweeping
scenic views. Guests can unwind on spacious terraces orbalconies, take a refreshing dip in the pool or explore at theirown pace.
Dining at the Wantilan Restaurant provides an enlightening
experience as it overlooks the slate-hued beach, and is
nestled beneath a thatched roof allowing the sea breeze tobillow through. Here, diners can sample regional Balinese
ﬂavours and international dishes, amidst traditional artwork,
rattan furnishings and teakwood tables handcrafted by
local artisans. The restaurant also caters to various dietary
preferences, offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free raw andhigh-protein options.

teeped in ritualistic theatrical arts and meditative
practices, Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali stands
as a sacred sanctuary on the island’s northeasterntip, near the village of Desa Tembok in Tejakula.
Despite its quietude, a gentle vitality permeates
this part of Bali, where soaring peaks cascade
down grassy lowlands and black volcanic sands meet theblue Bali Sea. Beyond standard spa treatments, the resort’s
integrated approach to wellness includes intentional activities,
purposeful living and nutritious dining.
The resort’s architectural design combines understatedWestern inﬂuences with Balinese aesthetics, blending naturalBalinese timber with neutral fabrics and native touches. Eachaccommodation – the Kamar Room, the Surya and Purnam

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Daily dynamic yoga
sessions are partof The Creativity
Retreat at Spa Village
Tembok, Bali.

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Above: the postcard-perfect pool at Spa Village Tembok, Bali.
Right: artist Chang Fee Ming presents his travel journal, Journey To
Tembok, with Geraldine Dreiser, Vice President of Marketing andCommunications of YTL Hotels.

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What sets Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali apart, however,is its focus on specialised retreat programmes. This year,
YTL Hotels launched two new retreats around the region’s
indigenous healing traditions. These retreats are intricately
tailored to submerge oneself into the artistic and soulful
dimensions of the land, where every aspect is dedicated toholistic well-being and authentic connections.
Central to these programmes was The Creativity Retreat
led by Malaysian artist Chang Fee Ming, which spanned fourdays and three nights. This retreat aimed to combine art withspirituality by stimulating creativity through Bali’s raw beauty.
Retreatants engaged in guided tours of Balinese art centres,
private sketching classes and insightful talks conducted by
Fee Ming. Sunny afternoons were dedicated to restorative
therapies, while late evenings were spent gazing at the stars.
Enriching activities included daily dynamic yoga sessions,
Mandala (circle) painting classes, Balinese spa rituals and aguided excursion with Fee Ming on the island.
A self-taught artist from Terengganu, Fee Ming began
his artistic journey in the early 1980s and has grown into
one of Asia’s most eminent artists, specialising mainly inwatercolours. His artworks have appeared in exhibitions
worldwide and are regularly featured in auction houses
like Christie’s and Sotheby’s. With a penchant for travel,
Fee Ming’s primary interest revolves around the localesof Southeast Asia, which are depicted through textures,colours, light and composition. He has also authored aperceptive travel journal with Spa Village, titled Journey To
Tembok, documenting his expedition of the island’s latent
charm over the years through dirt roads and dusty tracks on
his little motorbike. This journal unfolds as a compilation of
moments, resembling a treasure map that directs readers toplaces of inspiration.
Whether indulging in therapeutic solitudes, participating
in workshops or simply soaking in the botanical surroundings,
every facet of Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali is designed tonurture our mind, body and spirit.

For more information, visit www.spavillageresort.com

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Lapis Lazuli (above) and May We Be Blessed, both by Chang Fee Ming.

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life featuregrilled goodness
the thai way
you’ve probably had thai mookata, but have you
had it served by the beach with live band music
and free-flowing beverages in one of the moststunning resorts in southeast asia?
now you can at the ritz-carlton, koh samui.
Words by KARMUN NG

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from wine, beer, cocktails and more for a true taste of theunhurried and unhindered Samui way of life. Sit back, relax
and enjoy a Thai tradition meant to be a true treat for the lips,
eyes and soul.
The mookata gourmet adventure is available every
Monday from 6.30pm–10.00pm and is priced at THB3,500
net per person, inclusive of drinks and alcoholic beverages.

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/kohsamui

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f Thailand’s countless ﬁery ﬂavours, it does
one particular well: grilling. From streetside
moo ping skewers to hot wok pad thai, no one
harvests the ﬁnest and most fragrant of theﬂames like the Thais. Fire and ﬂame lend toanother unmistakable Thai way of dining thathas taken over the region – mookata.
Known in original Thai as mu kratha, mookata is bothbarbecue and hotpot in one seating and, more importantly,
one combined contraption. It marries the best of grillingmeats and seafoods atop a hot domed griddle, heated up
by traditional charcoal. As they cook, the juices of the meatand more drip down to ﬂavour a moat of broth in asurrounding catchment pot, adding to its ﬂavour. This brilliant
sizzle and simmer combo brings forth a delicious dual option
way of savouring sweet seafood and prime meats, whether
you like them charred or poached. It literally poses thequestion: why not both?
At The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui, this quintessential Thaidining experience gets elevated in a seaside setting, wherelapping waves and gentle breeze accompany your meal.
Premium meat and local seafood take centre stage, served
tableside so you can effortlessly cook them up on a barbecue
griddle of your own. Sizzle up the ingredients to your ideaof perfection before dipping them into a punchy dipping
sauce of a secret house blend. In between bites, sip on agolden broth that builds in ﬂavour and fervour the longer
you tend to your dinner. It promises the perfect servings ofdeliciousness and interactivity.
Have it all on the sandy strip of beach accompanied bymusic from a live band and free-ﬂow drinks. Take your picklife feature

captivatingsummer activities
at niseko village
with its remarkably cool summers and its glorious
surroundings, niseko village offers a wide variety
of exciting activities to enjoy this season.
Words by ALICIA CORBETTTHE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE72

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he name Niseko may evoke imagery of anenchanting snowy landscape covered withchampagne powder snow and some of theworld’s best skiing, but as summer arrives, amyriad of charming adventures await in thetown. Each year from the months of June toAugust, Japan faces hot and humid summers that linger in
the air – but not Niseko. The island of Hokkaido is far enoughnorth that warm rainstorms don’t affect the region and theweather hovers around 21°C, transforming it from a winterwonderland into a cool summer paradise.
During the Green Season, there are various activities
to be enjoyed in Niseko Village against its sensational
alpine scenery.

WORLD-CLASS GOLFING
Come summer, tee off among white birch and pine trees at theglorious 6,805-yard, 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed Niseko
Golf Course. Its centre of interest is the ﬁfth hole, which
includes an exhilarating tee shot towards the magniﬁcent
Mount Yotei, which also acts as a picture-perfect backdrop
for the course. A must-visit for golf enthusiasts is also the
Niseko Village Golf Course, a strategic course with a 721-yard
ultra-long hole and a green surrounded by ponds. Attachedto the Hilton Niseko Village, the par 73 championship course
has garnered acclaim as a three consecutive year winner ofJapan’s Best Golf Courses at the World Golf Awards.

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Clockwise from top left: enjoy the best of Japan’s freshwater ﬁsh, caught by your own hands; a dynamic seven kilometres ofwhitewater rapids courses await; Hinode Hills Niseko Village includes 79 elegantly furnished boutique apartments; Kasara Niseko
Village is the ideal base for outdoor adventures.

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E-BIKEYou may have pictured yourself leisurely cycling throughthe cobblestone roads of Europe, but a superior choice isan e-bike adventure to experience the beauty of Hokkaido’s
countryside. Riders can set off on scenic trails according totheir abilities and discover hidden gems such as Nishiyama
No Oka, where you can capture stunning views of Mount
Yotei, or venture to Higashiyama Hana No Oka, where
spectacular vistas over the Niseko basin await.

FISHING EXCURSIONS
There is nothing quite like fresh ﬁsh – caught amid thestunning scenery of Niseko – consumed over a dinner tableﬁlled with tales of the day itself. Cast a line at the Shiribetsu
River, considered one of the cleanest rivers in all of Japan,
home to an array of freshwater ﬁsh, including prized trout
and salmon. A variety of ﬁsh species can be found near the
shores of Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu, equally picturesquecaldera lakes that were formed from collapses in the earth
after volcanic activity.

NISEKO GOURMET TRAIL
For those whose travels are led by their tastebuds, discovera potpourri of culinary journeys at Niseko Village. Delightin local delicacies like Makkari pork through the Culinary
Treasures of Hokkaido, and visit the whiskey and gin distillery
along the way to discover the artistry behind Japan’s ﬁnest
spirits. Taste the bounty of Hokkaido’s waters with The
Seafood Tour, where you can tuck into succulent sea urchinsand Hanasaki crabs.

WATER ACTIVITIESVisitors on the search for their own Japanese adventure canconquer the rapids of the Shiribetsu River on whitewaterrafting trips or opt for a leisurely paddleboarding journey
while being surrounded by stunning scenery. Thrillseekers
can sign-up for canyoning to explore a network of canyons
and deep pools, where you will jump, slide, swim and ﬁnish
off with a 6m jump into the stunning Lion Falls.

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The Green Leaf,
Niseko Village
offers natural hot
spring baths.

Its rotenburo, an open-air bath, is fed by a natural mineralspring and is said to be one of the most beautiful natural rockpools in the village.
There are exclusive offers for all three properties:• Kasara Golﬁng Getaway: Enjoy one complimentaryround of golf for every night of your stay.
• Kasara Summer Adventure: Go on a whitewater rafting
adventure this season.
• Kasara E-Bike Summer Exploration: Explore and take inthe breathtaking summer views on two wheels.

For more information, visit niseko-village.com, kasara.com/
special-offers.html, hinodehills.com/special-offers.html, andthegreenleafhotel.com/en/special-offers.html.

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To accompany the perfect summer getaway, book astay at one of Niseko Village’s charming accommodations.
Discerning travellers will delight in the Kasara Niseko Village,a series of eight exclusive heritage townhouses designedwith a nod to traditional Japanese charm and infused with
contemporary elegance. Situated at the base of Mount
Niseko Annupuri, each two-story townhouse comes with apersonal resident concierge, ready to cater to every need.
Another worthy option is the Hinode Hills Niseko Village,
which boasts views of Mount Yotei and is positioned at
the heart of the Village. The ﬁve-star, tastefully appointed
boutique apartments embrace wabi-sabi aesthetics withurban comfort, complete with luxury services and amenities.
For an especially indulgent wellness experience as
you bask in nature, The Green Leaf Niseko Village offers a
tranquil retreat with its renowned indoor and outdoor onsen.

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two anda halfcenturies
ofamusement
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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celebrate jane austen’s
250th anniversary next year
in grand fashion at
the gainsborough bath spa.

“Ilife feature
the immersive bespoke celebrations of Austen’s birth year.
This is the best sort of marriage of luxurious convenience,celebrated over six days of curated amusements. Austen
herself once wrote: “One cannot have too large a party. A
large party secures its own amusement.”
The author and her family lived in Bath from 1801 to 1806
and, in her novels, she often satirised the social scene ofballs, assemblies and promenades. Her father and brotherThomas also took the healing thermal waters at Cross Bath.
The Gainsborough Bath Spa, which is a ﬁve-minute walk awayfrom Cross Bath, has its own private spa for its guests todaythat taps into the city’s natural thermal springs. It is no wonderthat the protagonist Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey
says: “I really believe I shall always be talking of Bath when I
am home again.”
For the Austen celebrations next year, if you would like toimmerse yourself even more in the reﬁned customs of thetimes and dress up in Regency period costume, you arewelcome to bring your own, or apply (for an extra charge) tothe Austen tour organisers ECT Travel to hire one or several
different outﬁts for you. These will be delivered to The
Gainsborough Bath Spa hotel in time for your arrival.
Some of the many celebration highlights include a private
visit to No 1 Royal Crescent Museum, one of city’s mostrecognisable Georgian architectural landmarks. No 1 was theﬁrst house to be built on the Crescent and was where Austen
often walked to when her family lived on Gay Street.
A visit to the Whitchurch Silk Mill, a 19th-century water
mill that weaves English silk fabrics using 19th-century
machinery, tells the story of Austen’s interest in the dress
and fashion of the times. Far from being a dowdy spinster,Austen’s 161 known letters reveal a woman who was a keenobserver of style, and whose thrifty characters reuse andt is a truth universally acknowledged, that asingle man in possession of a good fortune,
must be in want of a wife.” This ﬁrst linefrom Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is
one of the most famous openings to a novelin literary history. It establishes at the startof the book the importance of an advantageous marriage inRegency England. In 2025, literary buffs, and fans of Regency
society and Austen ﬁlm adaptations will celebrate the 250th
anniversary of her birth. Although these celebrations will takeplace all over the world, there really is only one place to fete
Jane Austen and that is at The Gainsborough Bath Spa in the
fashionable city of Bath.
For six days and ﬁve nights in April 2025 (from the 7 to the12) and again in October 2025 (from the 13 to the 18), there
is to be an advantageous marriage between Strictly Jane
Austen Tours and The Gainsborough Bath Spa for guests who
have booked in advance and are the lucky few to experience

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life featuredance helpers, as well as an embroidery workshop, where
needlewoman Alison Larkin will teach you to stitch a sprig.
Several sumptuous feasts prepared with a Regency-themeby the head chef of the hotel is also on the cards.
As Jane Austen herself once wrote: “It’s such happiness
when good people get together.”

repurpose clothing to keep up with fashion. You will also
visit Chawton House, an Elizabethan manor house that once
belonged to Austen’s brother Edward and which Austen
referred to as the ‘Great House’ in her letters. Edward offered
the bailiff’s cottage nearby to his mother and sisters, Janeand Cassandra. This is now the Jane Austen House Museum,
which is also on your celebration itinerary, and is where theauthor enjoyed the most proliﬁc phase of her writing life.
These entertaining visits are interspersed with workshops
hosted in a former chapel at The Gainsborough BathSpa. These ‘jovial and illuminating experiences’ include a
Regency dance class replete with a caller, piper music andTo book one of the celebrations, please visit
strictlyjaneausten.com/celebrating-jane-austen-2025
For more information about The Gainsborough Bath Spa,
please visit thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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THE YTL LU
LUXURY MAGAZINEThis and facing page: The Gainsborough BathSpa is a ﬁve-star luxury hotel that’s steeped inhistory and culture – including the world of Jane
Austen and the inﬂuences of Regency England.

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a room witha roofgarden viewthe glasshouse hotel offers an
oasis from the summer buzz ofedinburgh’s world-class festivals.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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T

o borrow and adapt a line from E.M. Forster’s
A Room with a View, “One doesn’t come to[Edinburgh] for niceness, one comes for life.”
Although small compared to London(population 9.7 million), Edinburgh, with apopulation of slightly more than 550,000, is
considered one of the world’s leading festival cities. Eachsummer, there are eight festivals happening at once, notto mention the Storytelling Festival in the autumn and the
Edinburgh Hogmanay to usher in the New Year in December.
Families and ﬁlm buffs come in May and June for the
Edinburgh International Children’s Festival and the Edinburgh
International Film Festival. Founded in 1947, the latter was theUK’s ﬁrst international ﬁlm festival and was originally focusedon documentary ﬁlmmaking. Today, it hosts Hollywood stars
and world premieres.

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Above: the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Facing page: the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (above); the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival.

For more information, visit www.theglasshousehotel.co.uk/

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a tented village created each year, visitors will ﬁnd an oasis
of calm, where book lovers rub shoulders with world-famous
authors. Book festival ticket holders often can be seen taking
a break in the sunshine on a deckchair, nursing a drink in one
hand and a favourite book in the other.
As the population of Edinburgh doubles in August, when
visitors from across the world come to the city, the ideal way
to enjoy these shows and entertainment is to stay at The
Glasshouse Autograph Collection hotel in the city centre.
This ﬁve-star property is that rare gem in a city hotel, a lushly
planted rooftop garden that offers sweeping views of the
UNESCO site, Calton Hill, and is the perfect calming oasis
amidst the excitement of the festivals.
Out of the 77 rooms at The Glasshouse, 51 have directaccess to an outdoor space in the form of either the rooftop
garden or a terrace. From May to September, the Rooftop
Bar collaborates with The Botanist on a summer menu of
cocktails. Hotel guests also have a choice of outdoor yoga
or Pilates sessions in the garden. If you have more ambitious
events in mind, The Glasshouse team can help you plan
anything, from an al fresco wedding ceremony to a rooftop
summer barbecue social in the garden. The hotel enjoys an
enviable location in Edinburgh, with the Picardy Place tram
stop opposite the property. It is only a few minutes’ walk from
Edinburgh Waverley train station, while the lively St James
Quarter is but a stone’s throw away from The Glasshouse.

In July, music and art lovers are spoilt for choice during
the 10 days of the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, withmore than 170 concerts crammed into a packed schedule.
The Edinburgh Art Festival, which also takes place in July,
attracts more than 250,000 visitors each year, making it the
UK’s largest annual celebration of visual art.
As summer rolls into its twilight in the month of August,the festival circuit moves up another gear altogether, hosting
three separate mega events. In the space of just three weeks,
the Edinburgh Fringe Festival sells around 2.3 million tickets
for more than 50,000 performances of about 3,500 theatre,
dance, comedy, opera, music and cabaret shows.
Meanwhile, The Edinburgh International Festival’s roots
go right back to the post-war era, as Europe looked to forge
a brighter future through artistic inspiration and expression.
The festival brings together artists and organisations fromacross the globe to present an annual programme of music,
dance, theatre and opera in the major theatres and grandhalls of the Scottish capital.
Perhaps the most spectacular of them all is the annual
Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo that takes place at thehistoric Edinburgh Castle Rock. The Tattoo has never had
a cancelled performance since its inception in 1950, andsells out its entire 220,000 ticket allocation each and every
year. Although 100 million people also watch it each year on
television screens around the world, there’s nothing quite
like being there yourself.
If you are looking for a more chilled August experience,
we recommend the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Inlife feature

suite dreams
the spectacular wedgwood suite in monkey island
estate in bray is where neptune and mermaids
delight the daydreams and evening reveriesof pampered guests.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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For more information, visit www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEt the heart of Monkey Island Estate in Bray isthe digniﬁed statue of the late Tan Sri Dato’
Seri Yeoh Tiong Lay, seated under the shadeof a tree. Years ago, something about the islet
property touched his imagination, and he had
the foresight to purchase the estate on a visit
to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. His statue
now looks out peacefully towards the river.
More than 200 years ago, Monkey Island caught the eyeof someone else who possessed equal foresight. It was the
17-year-old Honourable Charles Spencer, who had, at thattime, neither inherited the title of Duke of Marlborough nor
Blenheim Palace yet. What he saw was a ﬁsh-shaped island on
the Thames, built on rubble from the Great Fire of London.
Even at that young age, Lord Spencer knew he would needa retreat from the cares of the world one day and, in 1723,
commissioned Palladian architect Robert Morris to create
two new buildings on the island. These are now the GradeI-listed Temple and Pavilion of Monkey Island Estate.
It is in the former billiard room of the Temple that wehave the most exclusive, jaw-dropping accommodation in
Maidenhead, which is known as The Wedgewood Suite. Twoyears after Spencer acquired the island, he engaged Thomas
Roberts of Oxford to decorate the suite. Roberts usedintricate ivory jasperware plasterwork that he sculpted into
mythical sea creatures.
When YTL Hotels purchased the property, it underwent
18 months of meticulous renovation to turn it into a splendid
luxury hotel. Monkey Island Estate opened in the summerof 2019 and bookings for The Wedgwood Suite started to
ﬂow in, as did rave reviews. Carefully preserved was the ﬁneceiling, with the god Neptune, seashells and mermaids inclassic blue and white Wedgwood, which is deﬁnitely the
singular feature of this suite.
Guests at Monkey Island Estate can also book pampering
treatments at the Floating Spa, quirkily housed on a cobaltblue barge on the water that rocks soothingly when otherboats pass. It’s a truly unique space for decompressing –but it closes once a year for maintenance, so check before
you book. Transport options to get to this unique property
includes mooring for yachts. Would you expect anything lessfrom the jewel in the crown of YTL Hotels’ UK properties?

life featuresoft feminine
power inbloomsbury
take a historical walk from the academy hotel
through 200 years of british arts and sciences.
Words by JUNE MONG-LOFTIN

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he Academy Hotel is a quintessentially
Bloomsbury property, a member of the exclusive
stable of Small Luxury Hotels group andperfectly situated between a neighbourhoodrich in British history and the world-famous WestEnd theatre district in London. Within threeblocks of The Academy Hotel are landmarks of remarkable
British women from the past 200 years. They span the arts,
medicine, space travel, politics, the suffrage movement andespionage. We recommend this self-guided walking tour fromthe 50-room, 240-year-old Georgian property the next time
you check into the bijou address.
Start at Heal’s on Tottenham Court Road to remember
Lucienne Day (1917-2010), the 20th century textile designer
who lit up postwar British homes because she believedthat good things should have an affordable price tag. Lady
Ottoline Morrell (1873-1938), at 44 Bedford Square, is famousfor sponsoring, and bedding, many Bloomsbury artists. She
was ﬁrst cousin to the late Queen Mother and the inspiration
for DH Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley.
The rallying cry of suffrage leader Dame Milicent Garrett
Fawcett (1847-1929), who lived at 2 Gower Street, was“Courage calls to courage everywhere!” Meanwhile, Fanny
Eaton (1835-1924), Britain’s most visible Victorian woman ofcolour and an icon of mixed heritage beauty, is associatedwith the Pre-Raphaelite studio on 7 Gower Street. She was themuse and model for artists like Rossetti and Millais. Nearby
is Malet Street and Birkbeck University, whose alumni include
Dr Helen Sharman (born 1963), the ﬁrst British astronaut andﬁrst woman to visit the Mir space station in May 1991.

Clockwise from top:
Lucienne Day; Lady
Ottoline Morrell;
Tottenham Court
Road is a minute’s
walk from The
Academy London.
Facing page:
33 Fitzroy Square.

For more information, visit www.theacademyhotel.co.uk/

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Gordon Square Gardens is associated with British secretagent Noor Inayat Khan (1914-1944), who assisted theFrench resistance and contributed to the success of the
D-Day landings. Descended from Indian royalty, Noor was
eventually captured and killed.
In 1963, at the corner of Gower Street and Euston Road,
superstar photographer Fiona Adams (1935-2020) took
one of the deﬁning images of 20th-century culture. It was a
picture of four young men in dark suits jumping in the air,which would become the iconic cover of The Beatles’ Twist &Shout album. Artist Gwen John (1876-1939) lived at 21 Fitzroy
Street. She was a pupil of Whistler, an admirer of Cézanneand lover of Rodin, but was famous for her paintings ofsolitary women in quiet interiors.
In July 1913, Vanessa Bell (1979-1961) founded the Omega
Workshops at 33 Fitzroy Square, famous for producing boldprinted fabrics and textiles, ceramics, furniture and clothing.
Her sister, Virginia Woolf, resided nearby at 29 Fitzroy Street.
Five of these accomplished nine women are linked to theBloomsbury set, whose aesthetics and history are so mucha part of the signature style of The Academy Hotel. Lady
Ottoline Morrell, Dame Millicent Fawcett and Vanessa Bell
were all acquainted with one another and visited each other’s
homes in the vicinity of the hotel. We recommend spending a
quiet hour at the hotel’s Alchemy Bar, nursing a cocktail andleaﬁng through one of the Bloomsbury novels in the lounge
to remember this remarkable constellation of talent by.

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thewonderful west
often overlooked in favour of her stylish
sister cities sydney and melbourne, perth hides
a wealth of cosmopolitan dining, inspired tipples
and cool cultural encounters.
Words by LUANN ALPHONSO

E

asily one of the most underrated cities inAustralia, Perth sets itself at a glorious easy
pace, enticing travellers with its unapologetic
disregard for whims and trends that seem totake over other cities. Beyond the concrete
skyline, the Margaret River region thrives on
its beautiful landscapes and lush wines, but Perth city itself
captivates with a growing list of excellent food and beverage
concepts, and provocative art that is rising to the attention of
global travellers.
Here are just a small yet robust sampling of what you andyour loved ones can savour, experience and enjoy when
making a trip to the capital of Western Australia.

1. SANCTUARY OF SERENITY
Identiﬁed by the stunning 22m mural
by Australian artist Tyrone Wright(aka Rone), The Westin Perth is anestablishment that offers luxurious ﬁvestar experiences in the heart of Perth.
Situated within Hibernian Place, thelocation provides convenient access to allof Perth’s attractions. Savour exceptional
Italian at Garum, their signature outlet;
or rejuvenate your weary body at theirworld-class wellness facilities, which
includes a heated inﬁnity pool, ﬁtness
studio and a spa featuring botanicalingredients. For more information,please visit www.westinperth.com

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2. FROM THE HEAVENS
Although inspired by the Roman
god of wine, you’ll ﬁnd no unhinged
revelry at Italian-Australian dining
outﬁt, Bacco. What you do get is amodern, comfortable space anchoredby an open wood-ﬁre grill and arobust 140-label wine list. Classic,
hearty dishes are complemented
with local Australian ingredients,
such as lamb rump with coffee andwattle seed jus, and fried Montanara
dough topped with whipped ndujaspiked ricotta – a feast ﬁt for kings.
www.baccoshentonpark.com.au

3. MEDITERRANEAN WARMTH
A steady stalwart in the neighbourhood, this cozy mezze bar
never fails to satisfy. Brika is lively, authentic and comforting,and patrons can choose to graze on spanakopita and sip a
glass of Greek wine on the sidewalk during balmy evenings,
or pop by the hole-in-wall coffee window for a spot of coffee
and yiros (gyro) in the morning. Its wallet-friendly prices alsomean that you can indulge in a plethora of delicious small
plates without a second thought. www.brika.com.au
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4. SPIRITED AWAY
Take inspiration from off-beat urban locations thattraditional izakayas usually embed themselves in,throw in a dash of cyberpunk and you’ll get Papi
Katsu, the city’s latest Japanese offering, swathed in
all its neon-lit glory. The menu leans towards fresh
seafood, with an interesting selection of caviar andother raw dishes like oysters and Exmouth scallop.
Patrons can also dig into safe, meatier options suchas duck breast and premium A5 wagyu sirloin. Washit all down with a highball or choose from theirwonderful list of sake. www.papikatsu.com

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5. METRO VINO The perks about an offeringlike H&C Urban Winery is not just the shortened
trek to a vineyard in Margaret River; it also
features an inspiring focus on spirits, thanks to a
multi-talented ownership collective. At its fully
operational winery located in Fremantle (halfan hour’s drive from the city centre), grapes
are sourced within the state and produced
onsite, and are best enjoyed with family-styleplatters that boast the best in local produce.
www.urbanwinery.co

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6. SUNSET DREAMS
Australian beaches are notoriously beautiful and Cottesloe
Beach is, fortunately, no different. Spanning more thana kilometre, you’ll ﬁnd a stretch of pristine white sand,making it one of the most preferred locations in Perth for
swimming, snorkelling and surﬁng. Dotted with cafes andsmall eateries, it’s the perfect place to watch locals dive off
the ﬂoating bell or the sunset with a glass of wine in hand.

7. TAKE FLIGHT
Get a bird’s eye view of everything Perth has to offer with
Fly Perth’s scenic ﬂights. You can pair various durations,
ranging from two hours to two days, with seasonal
highlights to make the most of your time. These include
tours to Rottnest Island (a protected nature reserve withquokkas); a more adventurous Pinnacles Desert, Sand
Dunes and Beach 4X4 tour for the brave; or a MargaretRiver ﬂy-wine-lunch round trip for those who prefer aslower pace. www.flyperth.com.au

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8. WALL-TO-WALL ART
Melbourne street artist Rone is world-famousfor his large, lavish murals of beautiful Jane
Does dotting the city’s public spaces –including at The Westin Perth. But he is also
known for creating immersive art encountersin abandoned buildings, and he brings his
latest installation, TIME, to the Art Gallery ofWestern Australia, taking over 12 rooms ofvarious themes and experiences that include
his version of a prohibition themed bar, as
well as a limited capacity sensory dining
experience. www.time-rone-agwa.com

9. AN ASCOT HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDEIn the stately elegance of a horse-drawn carriage, take inthe sights of the surrounding countryside in the manner oflords and ladies. Relax and explore ancient woodlands, 18thcentury lakes, grand avenues and delightful garden scenes,
all the while being regaled by a carriage driver or guide
who will provide insights into the history and lesser-known
facts of the area. This horse-drawn carriage ride includes a‘romantic proposal’ package for those who wish to make it avery special experience with their loved one.

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10. HIDDEN PROVENANCE
To discover the hidden stories of Perth, follow Noongar
guide Walter McGuire from Go Cultural Aboriginal Tours andExperiences. Walter shares his cultural heritage and personal
stories through an enlightening walk around the city centre
and Elizabeth Quay on the Swan River. Discover traditional
Australian names for local plants used in medicine and feelthe warmth of Australia’s indigenous culture that has enduredover time. www.gocultural.com.au

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11. SPRING BREAK
Spring on Queen harkens back to thesuperclub era, where large multi-levelvenues were the ultimate in entertainment
and nightlife. Updated to reﬂect current
trends, this 450-person venue is a yearround party extravaganza with bottomlessteapot cocktails, girls’ night out packages
and even a rave cave. You need noteven leave if you’re feeling peckish –just revitalise yourself at the restaurant
offering an international menu of familystyle plates. www.springonqueen.com

12. OVER THE MOON
Explore our enduring fascination
with the moon at the captivating
To the Moon exhibition at
WA Museum Boola Bardip.
This
enlightening
encounterilluminates the signiﬁcance of
this particular natural satellite inpopular culture, history and art.
It uses a combination of lunar art,
aboriginal beliefs and planetaryscience to help us understandthe moon’s signiﬁcance withinhumanity’s narrative.
www.museum.wa.gov.au

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melbourne’s
oases of healing
let off steam and soak up the many healing benefits ofnatural geothermal mineral water at these hot springspas conveniently located in and around melbourne.
Words by KARMUN NG

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HEPBURN BATHHOUSE & SPA, DAYLESFORD
Known as Victoria’s spa country, Daylesford has healed,treated and rejuvenated generations of guests with its
pure, mineral-rich waters drawn directly from their natural
source. Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa is a historic bathhousethat has been providing traditional wellness bathing since1895. It draws its healing waters from the iconic Hepburn
Mineral Springs, from which it also borrows its name, andoffers unforgettable stay and dine packages via its signature
Lake House experience that promises to transport you
back in time and reconnect with the therapeutic beneﬁts
of mineral bathing.

s a species made of mostly water residing on
a planet covered largely in water, it stands
to reason that the human body has plenty
to beneﬁt from water. When it comes tohealing, nature’s remedy spouts forth fromgeothermal hot springs, naturally occurringsources of water heated by the Earth’s interior.
A soak immediately opens up pores and glands to drain
toxins from the body, while trace minerals absorb into thebody to heal skin issues, boost blood circulation, reduce
arthritis symptoms, decrease blood pressures and more. In
and around Melbourne, natural hot spring spas are aplenty,
making it a destination of nature and wellness as much ascity-skirting and food-tripping.

PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS, MORNINGTON PENINSULA
More than 30 globally inspired bathing experiences await at
Peninsula Hot Springs, from a Turkish hammam steam bath toThalasso hydrojet pools and aquatherapy exercises. Located90 minutes from Melbourne, the coastal oasis is proud to offer
hot springs classiﬁed as ‘true mineral springs’, with water ofdissolved solids measuring more than 2,500 parts per million(PPM) as veriﬁed by the Institute of Geological and Nuclear
Sciences in New Zealand. Enjoy its healing baths alongside a
serene natural setting and experiential daily activities.
ALBA, MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Nestled in native bushlands on a beautifully landscaped 15ha
property, Alba offers a retreat of rejuvenation with 31 poolsof varying sizes, including geothermal pools, cold plunge

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pools and forest pools. Embrace the transformative power ofwater in a natural, coastal setting of the outdoor geothermalpools, or relax in any of its 22 spa treatment rooms. Once
that has worked up an appetite, step into Thyme, where an
all-day menu focused on locally sourced, seasonal produce,
created by well-known Melbourne chef, restaurateur,
cookbook author and television presenter, Karen Martin, canbe savoured in the comforts of your bathrobe.
DEEP BLUE HOT SPRINGS, WARRNAMBOOL
The mineral waters of this award-winning geothermal
mineral bathing sanctuary spill forth from open-air rockpools, sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls, gathered from850m below the ground. Its unique mineral composition andsurface temperature of 35-42°C support a range of physicaland emotional health beneﬁts. They are accompanied
by other therapies including foot spas, cold plunges andtwilight meditative sessions, all drawing from the beneﬁts ofthe same healing waters.

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WHERE TO STAY
Be conveniently located just a splash away from these
springs of life with a stay at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel.
The perfect home away from home for your family getaway
or a luxe romantic staycation in the heart of Melbourne’s city
centre, this ﬁve-star hotel is central to the Theatre District
and popular attractions such as Parliament House, State
Library of Victoria, Royal Exhibition Building and, of course,
the best of the region’s natural geothermal hot springs.

For more information, visit marriott.com.au/melmc

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life featurethewinner’s
circlefrom the exhilaratingcity2surf to the dramatic
clashes of the bledisloe
cup, sydney offers a richtapestry of sporting
events and historic
venues. participate in
the various games of
the city as a participantor spectator – where
every race and match let
you tell your story of
athletic triumph.
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The majestic Sydney to
Hobart Yacht Race (thispage) is world-famous,
as is the colourful 14km
City2Surf run (facing page).

S

A RUNNER’S DREAM
Just think of the early morning sun, casting golden rays
over the Sydney skyline, as you prepare to join thousandsof runners for the iconic City2Surf. The event takes place
on 11 August, and participants of all levels will complete a
thrilling 14km distance. It begins in the heart of the central
business district (CBD), passing through streets that signal
each suburb with every step taken, and ends at Bondi Beach,

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF SPECTATING
For the rugby fanatics, this year’s Bledisloe Cup represents
the ultimate drama in sports. On 21 September, Wallabies
will be seen facing their arch rivals – the All Blacks – in a ﬁght
for the prestigious accolade. Expectations and tensions areat an all-time high as Australian coach Joe Schmidt getsready to confront his previous team.

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where a cool sea breeze meets those who had managed thisfar. The run is a colourful spectacle, with a strong charitableaspect further enhancing a lively atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Sydney Marathon takes place in
September and passes through Sydney’s CBD. It’s one ofseveral options to enjoy breathtaking views of the Harbour
Bridge and Sydney Opera House, which is a major incentive
to ﬁnish every kilometre. Supporters and tourists alike cantake advantage of the marathon to experience Sydney’s
busy streets, which are lined with enthusiastic spectatorsand live performances, transforming the entire city into one
giant festival.

ydney’s allure extends beyond its picturesquelandscapes and vibrant culture. The city has long
been a beacon for athletes and sports enthusiasts
alike. However, sport in Sydney is not without its
share of controversies. The city has witnessed
heated debates over the Bledisloe Cup clashes,
dramatic ﬁnishes in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, andeven contentious moments in tennis. Whether you’re looking
to participate in exhilarating races or spectate momentous
matches, here’s a good list for any aspiring athlete to join in
the dynamic pulse of the city.

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The Sydney Marathon takes you to world-famous places such as the Harbour Bridge (above) while the Sydney Cricket Ground Museum(below) showcases
sporting excellence from Australia and around the world.

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The summer season means that the Sydney to Hobart
Yacht Race is just around the corner. Find a good spot on
any of Sydney Harbour foreshore points on 26 December
for a chance to see this breathtaking start of the ocean racewith your own eyes. Colourful sails adorn the yachts, which
will see them on their journey through 630 nautical miles(1,170km) up to Hobart. There’s also opportunity to take afollow-up trip along with cruisers like Silver Spirit or Coast
Cruises’ luxurious catamaran.
STEP INTO SPORTING HISTORY
Located in the Eastern Suburbs, The Golden Sheaf – which
was once called Double Bay Grounds, a signiﬁcant venue fortennis history – is a must visit for all tennis aﬁcionados. For
instance, its wall of fame is dedicated to its Davis Cup past, and
it is here where one discovers that, in 1909 and 1919, the Davis
Cup and Australasian Championships (now the Australian
Open) took place at Double Bay Grounds; both events were
won by Australian tennis legend, Gerald Patterson.
Sydney Cricket Ground Museum is another ideal place tovisit when one seeks to explore Sydney’s sporting heritage
from within. The precinct has witnessed some of the mostcelebrated ﬁgures on earth, such as Pele, Maradona,
Muhammad Ali and Don Bradman. This museum provides analternative angle to sport and social activities that have beenpart of Sydney’s cultural fabric over the years.

From top: The Golden Sheaf; New Zealand’s All-Blacks celebrate winning a
The Bledisloe Cup; Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel.

Where To Stay
Nestled in the middle of all Sydney’s major landmarks is
Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay. Conveniently
located at the cusp of all major transportation crossroads
around Sydney, dining at the Marriott is equally effortless.
Choose from a heritage gastrobar, a rustic laneway bar, or theaward-winning Silvester’s Restaurant and Lounge. Relax in oneof their 595 rooms while you enjoy the best views of Sydney.
For more information, visit www.marriott.com

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cultureon the coast
brisbane is undoubtedly a city that embraces a wide
range of artistic expression, from intense music
festivals to boundary-pushing fashion events,
as well as thought-provoking art exhibitions
to satiate the appetite of every creative traveller.
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B

life featurerisbane is a lively city and a city of plenty. It’s
also one that mesmerises with a stunning fullcultural calendar of activities to rival mostheritage cities. Look forward to unexpected
pop-ups, deep dives into Australian history, as
well as edgy independent ﬁlms and music thatcelebrate humanity.
RHYTHM NATION
Wynnum Fringe is an award-winning festival that transforms
the bayside suburb of Wynnum into a bustling creativehub. Every year, disused spaces are brought back to life
through colourful street dressing, imaginative light design,and gourmet food trucks, fostering an atmosphere alivewith people from diverse backgrounds. With free andticketed events on offer, this fringe extends cultural accessbeyond Brisbane CBD by presenting various forms of art,
entertainment and culture suitable for all age groups.
Since its establishment in 2013, Listen Out has become
Australia’s number one national dance music festival circuit
across Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. What sets thisparticular festival apart from others is the broad mix between
hip hop and electronic music. This year, current international
acts such as 21 Savage, Tyla and John Summit will feature in
the line-up.
CELEBRATING STYLE
Brisbane Fashion Festival is one of Australia’s biggest
fashion events on the calendar and it marks the beginningof Spring/Summer collections. Here, you will ﬁnd someestablished iconic Australian names as well as promising
new talents. Expect lots of glitz and glamour, creativity andstellar craftsmanship that reﬂect sustainability, inclusion anddiversity for all.
One of the ﬁrst designers to adopt 3D printing as a textile
technique, Dutch visionary Iris van Herpen counts Beyonce,
Bjork, Lady Gaga and Tilda Swinton among her fans. Her
signature sculpturesque silhouettes capture intricate naturalforms at various levels – from marine biology to quantum
physics – so it’s a must-see event for both fashionistas and art
buffs. This exhibition, Iris van Herpen, Sculpting the Senses,
is exclusive to Brisbane.

KEEPERS OF CULTURE
An Aboriginal and contemporary art hub that offers true
immersion into First Nations culture through visual arts, music
and dance performances, Birrunga Gallery also showcases
artefacts as well as conducts food tasting sessions for acomprehensive insight into Australia’s indigenous lifestyle.
Led by Birrunga Wiradyuri, he hopes to share his richunderstanding of Australia’s ﬁrst peoples’ artistic practices
while fostering respect for the nation’s historic pasts.
WHERE TO STAY
A mere stone’s throw from lively areas like Story Bridge andHoward Smith Wharves, where cafes and bars are aplenty, theBrisbane Marriott Hotel also offers panoramic river views andcomfortable accommodation in the centre of it all. Motion
Dining provides top-of-the-line Australian cuisine, served ina sleek atmosphere. The hotel is perfect for those seeking
some indulgence during their stay, alongside an attractive
outdoor pool to take in the capital of the Sunshine State.

For more information, visit brisbanemarriott.com

THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINEThis page, fromtop: The Wynnum
Fringe festival; artist
Birrunga Wiradyuri;
the Executive Suite of
the Marriott Brisbane.
Facing page: The
Iris van Herpen,
Sculpting the Senses
exhibition.

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set within tunku abdul rahman marine park,
gaya island resort is a jewel located off thecapital of sabah, kota kinabalu. golden sandy
beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming withmarine life are compelling attractions, while
its spa village offers opportunities to sample
authentic borneo-inspired therapies.

this luxurious resort is set on a private
tropical island on the straits of malacca.
villas either fringe the hillside or are
gracefully balanced on stilts over water. anaward-winning spa village offers world-class
treatments derived from chinese, indian andmalay healing traditions.

gayaislandresort.com

pangkorlautresort.com

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evoking the splendour, the romance and thenostalgia of one of malaysia’s oldest hill
stations and its grand colonial heritage,
cameron highlands resort, with its luxurious
rooms and award-winning spa village, is the bestplace to take in the area’s rolling hills, tea
plantations, rose gardens and strawberry farms.

tanjongjararesort.com

cameronhighlandsresort.com

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tanjong jara resort on the east coast of
peninsular malaysia embodies the essence ofmalay culture and traditions. facing the southchina sea and surrounded by the lush green
beauty of the local countryside, this resort
reveals a quieter but equally attractive side
to malaysia.

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nestled within the embrace of a private sun-kissed
bay, the ritz-carlton, koh samui is surroundedby oceanfront beauty and quintessential
experiences that artfully reflect the samui wayof life. this makes the beautiful property an
ideal setting to embark on wellness programmes,
cultural immersions or culinary journeys.

located in kuala lumpur’s golden triangle
business district, this stylish luxury hotel isconveniently positioned for upscale shopping,dining and entertainment. it is home to an awardwinning spa, and gourmands will be delighted by
the indulgent afternoon tea experience as wellas li yen’s stellar chinese cuisine.

ritzcarlton.com/kohsamui

ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

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hotel stripes is malaysia’s second autographcollection hotel. it combines a modern vibe
with historical references to its location in
one of kuala lumpur’s oldest neighbourhoods.
with contemporary guest rooms and suites,
the hotel is a convenient base to explore themalaysian capital’s many attractions.

jwmarriottkualalumpur.com

stripeskl.com

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located along bukit bintang road at the heart ofkuala lumpur, jw marriott is ideal for businessand leisure travellers. with world-class
shopping and dining nearby, this conveniently
located hotel with its extensive range offacilities is one of the city’s finest.

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the starhill is the new home of the tastemakers in kuala lumpur that offers the best of experiential
retail in a boutique environment, exuding elegance and a refined home-like ambience infused withwarm hospitality and stylish aesthetics for all its touch points. a fine curation of one-of-a-kindflagship stores of global premium brands in high fashion, timepieces, jewellery, wellness andlifestyle indulgences pair up with the best of international and asian cuisines in cafes, bistrosand restaurants, awaiting all who have a discerning palate for style and taste.

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thestarhilldining.com

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the starhill dining celebrates culinary sophistication, bringing to diners fresh, seasonal andglobally inspired dining experiences with a diverse spread of gastronomic creations servedby the tastemakers, each with a unique food programming. the starhill dining’s collection of
captivating dining and entertainment concepts includes shook!, kuala lumpur’s choice restaurantthat continues to fuel the imagination; luk yu tea house that embraces a poetic chinese heritage;
the alchemy, featuring gin botanicals for every season; the popular jogoya restaurant; and finearabic cuisine at tarbush lounge.

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situated on pansea beach, one of phuket’s
most private stretches of sand, the surinoffers a perfect slice of thai beach life. thecottages and suites are built into a carefully
conserved
landscape.
fromsumptuous
cuisine to watersports, the surin combines
idyllic tropical charm with the warmth of
thai hospitality.

villa tassana is set on phuket’s idyllic nai
thon beach, set amid a tropical forest andoverlooking the emerald andaman sea. it offers
2,800 square metres of living space, with threeopulent bedrooms, a 15-metre pool, and living
and dining pavilions. spa, sports and golfing,including the blue canyon course including
the blue canyon course, are within easy reach.

thesurinphuket.com

travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my

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fully restored to its former glory, thiselegant 1930s property marries history withworld-class hospitality. dining options include
hainanese favourites at colonial cafe as well as
an interactive dining experience at contango,
while the rooms are a blend of contemporarystyle and old-world finesse.

majesticmalacca.com

majestickl.com

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regarded as the cradle of malaysian history,
malacca in its heyday was a port city thatwelcomed spice traders, sultans and warriors.
soak up the magic and the history at the majesticmalacca, the city’s finest hotel, built in the
1920s and furbished with interiors indicativeof the city’s rich culture.

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the gainsborough bath spa offers the only
natural thermal spa within a hotel in the
uk. the hotel is a moment’s stroll from bathabbey, the high street stores on milsom street
and the roman baths, which makes it a choicelocation from which to explore the city and its
nearby attractions.

this former victorian bank has been transformed
into a discreet, boutique-style hotel, crowned byan elegant stained glass dome, an unexpected findin the city’s heart. hotel threadneedles exudes
grandeur in a thoroughly modern way; while service
is polished, it’s also unpretentious amid the bustle
of square mile.

thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

hotelthreadneedles.co.uk

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monkey island estate is located on a picturesqueisland on the river thames in the historic villageof bray, berkshire. set across seven acres, theproperty features 41 exquisite rooms designed by
the award-winning new york-based champalimaud
design as well as six private residences.

theacademyhotel.co.uk

monkeyislandestate.co.uk

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situated in bloomsbury, the academy comprises
a collection of five georgian townhouses
combined into one charming luxury hotel. thisrejuvenated 50-guest room/suite boutique
hotel juxtaposes timeless glamour and acontemporary take on townhouse living.

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this luxury boutique hotel is considered oneof the best places to stay in edinburgh, withcosy contemporary interiors, warm scottish
service and consistently spectacular views of
the city centre and calton hill from the hotel’s
two-acre rooftop garden.

centrally located near the hague city centre andthe north sea coast, the hague marriott featurescontemporary style with a warm ambience. the306 comfortable and spacious rooms and suites
are thoughtfully appointed with stylish design
accents and complimentary wi-fi. many of thecity’s attractions are located nearby.

theglasshousehotel.co.uk

thehaguemarriott.com

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portfolio of lifea glamorous and private hideaway in the southof france, muse saint-tropez is all about thehigh life. located in ramatuelle and surroundedby forests of umbrella pines, this boutiqueproperty features just 15 suites, each of whichis named after famous ‘muses’.

spavillageresort.com

muse-hotels.com

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black volcanic sand, the majestic mount agung,the deep blue of the indian ocean and themystical balinese way of life come together
in style at spa village resort tembok, bali.
located in the north of the island, the resort
is a haven of wellness, where guests can enjoy
all the benefits and pleasures of spa life amid
tranquil surroundings.

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the melbourne marriott is centrally located,close to the city’s theatre precinct, shopping
districts and chinatown. featuring world-classservice, all 186 well-appointed rooms and suites
are modern and elegant. facilities include
a heated indoor pool, gymnasium, signature
restaurant and vibrant lounge.

the 563-room sydney harbour marriott is set
in the heart of circular quay, overlooking
the harbour bridge and opera house. guests
will find themselves near dining, fashion andentertainment hotspots. the sydney harbour
bridge, opera house, the rocks and hyde parkare all moments away.

marriott.com.au/melmc

marriott.com/sydmc

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portfolio of lifethe 368-room westin perth is located in therevitalised east end of perth known as thehistoric heart of the city, close to shopping
malls, elizabeth quay and the vibrant swan
river precinct. the hotel is the cornerstone ofhibernian place, featuring a lively and eclectic
mix of bars, cafés and restaurants.

brisbanemarriott.com

westinperth.com

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the brisbane marriott, with 267 rooms and suites,
is ideally placed between brisbane’s cbd and thefortitude valley hub. with a stunning backdropof the brisbane river, story bridge, kangaroo
point cliffs and city skyline, the hotel is close
to shopping, riverside dining, the commercial
district and cultural attractions.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

the heart of niseko village is its main pulse, where paved intimate walkways are flanked bycontemporary shopping and dining options. just moments from niseko village’s award-winning
hotels, residences and lifts, its slopeside location allows for seamless ski-in, ski-out accessbetween mountain adventures and indoor diversions. both modern and traditional interweave,
evoking a genteel lifestyle at the village with its authentic japanese machiya architectural setting.
après-ski is excitingly redefined at niseko village.

niseko-village.com

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portfolio of life

ritzcarlton.com/higashiyamanisekovillage

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higashiyama niseko village, a ritz-carlton reserve, sets a communion with nature with every elementof the experience. hokkaido’s seasons transform the unique landscape, setting the scene for
unforgettable adventures into the soul of niseko. the first ritz-carlton reserve to grace japan,
higashiyama niseko village resides at the base of mount niseko annupuri, with panoramic viewsof mount yotei and the surrounding mountain ranges. embrace a new level of bespoke luxury inhokkaido with the exquisite refinement of a ritz-carlton reserve to return to each day.

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THE YTL LUXURY MAGAZINE

AC Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

AC Hotel Kuantan.

AC Hotel Penang.

located in kuala lumpur, penang and kuantan, malaysia’s ac hotels feature a modern harmonious
design, where guest rooms and flexible, open spaces are optimised for a comfortable andeffortless stay. with a contemporary approach to business and leisure, facilities include the ac
lounge, which is ideal for creative meetings, and where drinks and tapas selections inspired by
local flavours are served throughout the day.

ac-hotels.com

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portfolio of life

PANGKOR LAUT I TANJONG JARA I GAYA ISLAND I CAMERON HIGHLANDS I MALACCA I
KUALA LUMPUR I TEMBOK, BALI I KOH SAMUI I BATH

spavillage.com

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the spa villages celebrate the healing culture of the region in which each is built. each spa
village has its own character and authenticity, honouring local healers and traditions that havebeen passed down the generations.

home of the tastemakers

q&a:

MOTOKAZU YONEZAWA
the affable chef, known to his friends and family
as chef moka, shares what he loves about
niseko village and why you should visit it soon.
Words by EUGENE PHUA

Please tell us about your new restaurant Moka in
Niseko Village.
Tourists from all over the world visit Niseko, so I have beenable to serve my own original Italian cuisine to people fromall over the world at Moka. This experience has allowed me
to learn about their food preferences and values as well. I am
also grateful for the opportunity to serve dishes made withingredients from Niseko as well as various regions of Malaysia
by working together with YTL. Many of the employees havebeen working for the group for a long time, and I have theimpression that there is a strong sense of stability in YTL.
What is your favourite thing about Niseko and why
should guests visit Moka and Niseko Village?
I recommend Niseko because it’s a place with clean air,beautiful views, and high-quality water and ingredients, while
Niseko Village has plenty of well-equipped facilities and afrequent shuttle bus service, which makes it so convenientfor guests.

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A lot of my dishes are made using ingredients from Niseko
as well as the rest of Hokkaido. I’d say that my cuisine is a‘marriage’ of ingredients and unique flavours, which uses
seasonings and cooking methods to bring out the best ofeach ingredient, and create a beautifully balanced dish and ataste that lingers in the mouth. I’m also very particular aboutcooking and meat preparation methods, to ensure that themeat and food we serve is juicy, tender and safe to eat. And
I’m also a professional sommelier, so guests can savour ourdishes with wine and sake pairings.
You and your wife Noriko have been in Malaysia for many
years. What’s unique about Malaysians and their love ofJapanese cuisine and culture?
It seems to me that because Malaysia is a country with a lotof multiracial diversity, we need to serve and also adjust thedishes we create depending on their culture and to match
their preferences. But I think that, over the years, Malaysians’love for Japanese food and culture has barely changed atall. However, I’ve noticed that the number of Japanesefood ingredients and seasonings available in Malaysiansupermarkets has increased, and it seems that Japanesefood culture is becoming more and more popular.
Finally, could you please explain the spirit of omotenashi
and why it’s so important in Japanese culture and cuisine?
Omotenashi is the highest level of taking care of our guests,
and showing them our very best attention, considerationand thoughtfulness. I think that ometenashi is very importantin Japanese culture because many Japanese people haveit in their DNA. It values the spirit of harmony in terms ofcommunicating with one another, instead of thinking ofeating as merely a means of maintaining health or supplying
energy for living.

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